First 2 Coronavirus-Related Deaths Reported In Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE, WI — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and State health officials at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services confirmed the first two deaths in Wisconsin due to the new coronavirus, COVID-19.

Officials on Thursday evening confirmed that a man in his 50s from Fond Du Lac County died as a result of the virus. The second person who died was in his 90s, and was from from Ozaukee County.

“Our hearts go out to all the loved ones affected by these deaths, and to all those suffering from this virus,” Evers said. “We are committed to fighting the spread of COVID-19 in Wisconsin and I want to recognize the hard work and bravery of our nurses, doctors, state health officials, and all those on the front lines in the effort to save lives. Together we will get through this historic health challenge.”

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Working with the Centers for Disease Control and Wisconsin public health officials, Gov. Evers declared a state of emergency on March 12, 2020. This action allowed DHS to use all available resources to respond to and contain the outbreak.

On Thursday, Wisconsin health officials updated Wisconsin's number of confirmed coronavirus cases to 155. Milwaukee County saw the largest increase in cases, and now has 62 confirmed cases. Residents in Bayfield, Calumet, Columbia, Eau Claire, Ozaukee, Sauk and Walworth Counties all saw their first reported cases Thursday.

News of the increase in confirmed cases comes just one week after state officials declared a public health emergency over the potential spread of COVID-19 in Wisconsin. Since then, all K-12 schools have been ordered closed until further notice. Wisconsin bars and restaurants have also been ordered to close their dine-in facilities. State health officials have also limited the number of people for mass gatherings to 10 to help slow the spread of the virus.

Testing Shortage Reported In Wisconsin

Testing for COVID-19 is being done in Wisconsin through both the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene at the University of Wisconsin – Madison and at the City of Milwaukee Health Department, as well as private labs throughout the state.

Right now, Wisconsin is prioritizing testing for COVID-19 because of a shortage of ingredients needed to run the tests, officials said.

"It is important that we reserve our testing capacity for individuals who are critically ill and healthcare workers on the front lines. This will help us keep our healthcare workforce safe and healthy and help stop the spread of the virus," Department of Health Services officials said in a Many states across the country are grappling with this same problem. We have been working with our partners in the federal government, in the private sector, and our public universities to try to get the ingredients needed to run these tests.

Unemployment Is Focus Of State's Most Recent Orders

As Wisconsin's coronavirus public health emergency enters into its second week, many people are finding themselves out of work and need to apply for unemployment benefits.

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development says they're encouraging people to go online for faster delivery of unemployment benefits after people have been flooding the department's phone lines with requests. Wisconsin Patch has published an article with new recommendations on how to claim unemployment benefits online.

No new executive orders were issued Thursday, but on Wednesday, Gov. Evers issued his most recent one, waiving work search requirements while also modifying the availability requirements for unemployment insurance benefits for workers who have been impacted by COVID-19.

Under the emergency order, the state waives the requirement that unemployment insurance claimants conduct at least four weekly work search actions during the COVID-19 emergency. This order also guarantees that claimants who are otherwise eligible but out of work due to COVID-19 are considered available for work and therefore eligible for benefits.

The order went into effect immediately Wednesday, and will remain in effect for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency, state officials said.

"This emergency order follows the federal guidance related to administering unemployment insurance benefit claims during the pandemic period and allows the program to support our workers who have been affected," Evers said. "Many Wisconsin workers are facing financial burden and stress due to the COVID-19 outbreak and this order will help them access some additional support. My Administration plans to continue to work with state legislators and our federal partners on initiatives to help impacted workers."

Child Care Centers Limited

On Wednesday, Evers directed Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm to restrict the size of all child care settings. Centers may not operate with more than 10 staff present at a time and may not operate with more than 50 children present at a time.

"I know many Wisconsinites are looking for ways to help during this crisis," Evers continued. "If you are able, keeping your kids at home is one of the actions you can take to have the most impact. I also want to recognize the child care providers around the state who are stepping up to support our communities-- we appreciate your service during this challenging time."

What To Do If You Think You Have COVID-19

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, if residents have questions or immediate needs related to COVID-19, they can:

• Text COVID19 to 211-211
• Visit 211Wisconsin.org
• Call 211

State health officials said that call volumes are high, and to please be patient and try to use the text or online options first. If you are experiencing signs and symptoms of COVID-19, please call your health care provider, health officials said.
"To prevent illness, wash your hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, clean frequently touched surfaces every day, and stay home when you are sick. Learn the best way to protect yourself and those around you from respiratory illnesses," health officials said.