Gov. Evers Anticipates Wisconsin Shelter-in-Place Won’t Be Necessary

Wisconsin COVID-19 Cases at 206 on Friday

(OnFocus) Gov. Tony Evers doesn’t anticipate Wisconsin will need to order a shelter-in-place to combat the spread of COVID-19.

“We do not have plans to shelter-in-place,” Gov. Evers said in a Friday afternoon press conference.

He anticipates the order can be avoided as long as Wisconsin residents heed the guidelines of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services urging the public to stay at home as much as possible.

“People in the state of Wisconsin are taking this seriously,” said Gov. Evers. “We continue to encourage them to stay at home.”

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced the number of positive COVID-19 cases have risen to 206, with 3,455 negative tests. There is one positive case in Wood County and 14 negative test results. A positive case was confirmed for Marathon County on Friday.

“We do expect the situation to worsen,” said Secretary-designee Andrea Palm.

Most illnesses will be mild, but other cases will be more severe, including for the most vulnerable populations. So far, three deaths related to coronavirus have been reported in Wisconsin.

“Sadly, these deaths won’t be our only deaths. We will see more,” said Palm. “We need to start preparing for that, and for the reality that this is going to be a very hard time for Wisconsinites.”

The DHS advises the public to stay home to protect vulnerable populations and healthcare workers who are critical during this time, and practice social distancing by maintaining 6 feet from other people.

“I urge you to stay home if you can, and especially if you’re sick,” Gov. Evers said.

While most cases of COVID-19 have been in people older than 50, younger adults aren’t immune. “It’s as important for young and healthy people to heed the orders requiring social distancing as it is for the rest of us,” Palm said.

These measures are critical, she said, to flatten the curve and protect the capacity of the the healthcare system to treat cases.

“We will continue to ask more of you in the days and weeks ahead, yet we continue to be amazed at the way you have taken this pandemic seriously,” said Palm.

The governor encouraged the public to donate blood, as there is a critical need, and to register for an absentee ballot sooner rather than later.

For updates and guidance on COVID-19, visit www.dhs.wisconsin.gov.

DHS Guidelines for COVID-19:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after going to the bathroom, blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If you do not have soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

 

Wisconsin County	Total Cases as of 3/20/2020
Bayfield	1
Brown*	2
Calumet	1
Chippewa	1
Columbia*	5
Dane*	32
Douglas	1
Dunn	1
Eau Claire	1
Fond du Lac	14
Green	1
Jefferson	1
Kenosha*	4
La Crosse	4
Marathon	1
Milwaukee*	85
Outagamie	2
Ozaukee	7
Pierce	1
Racine	3
Rock	1
Sauk	2
Sheboygan	6
St. Croix	2
Walworth	3
Washington	3
Waukesha	15
Winnebago	5
Wood	1
Total	206

*Indicates community spread

Marathon County Confirms First Positive COVID-19 Case