Wisconsin Coronavirus Cases Rise To 155; Unemployment Now Concern

MILWAUKEE, WI — The number of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in Wisconsin is 155 as of Thursday afternoon, according to health officials.

That's an increase of 49 cases from the previous day. In the span of one week, Wisconsin has seen the number of confirmed cases rise from 19 to 155, according to Wisconsin Department of Health Services data.

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.

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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.