In video statements recorded this morning, health professionals explain why the the Governor’s Safer at Home order is an essential measure for containing COVID-19, creating conditions to gradually and safely reopen the economy 

Statewide: This morning before scheduled State Capitol protests against Wisconsin’s most effective COVID-19 containment measure, public health professionals taped brief video interviews to discuss the situation. These dedicated caregivers hope by offering this testimony to counteract the disinformation being spread through social media and irresponsible national media outlets to mobilize opposition to social distancing. The health professionals explained why maintaining social distancing is essential for saving lives, protecting front line caregivers and other essential workers, and slowing the virus enough to safely reopen the economy. 

Elizabeth Riley: Elizabeth is a nurse who recently returned to Wisconsin after spending several weeks working in a Brooklyn, NYC Intensive Care Unit. She describes the horror of the ICU, the horrible and lonely deaths of her patients, and her dread that Wisconsin could become like New York City if the Safer At Home order were lifted. https://youtu.be/JWa55RJtvBU

Jeff Weber: Jeff is the President of the Wisconsin Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals. He worries about Wisconsin hospitals’ capacity being overrun with a surge of COVID-19 cases resulting from these protests and premature lifting of the Safer At Home order. He states we need two weeks of sustained decline in new cases before lifting the order.  https://youtu.be/dogIXdYMIe8

Lynn Carey: Lynn is a nurse practitioner, educator, and PhD as well as a double lung transplant recipient. Her advice for beating this virus: "stay home!” https://youtu.be/rKsyDBi8uU4

Victoria Gutierrez: Victoria is a frontline nurse in Madison. She is concerned that the capitol protest will cause an increase in COVID-19 cases and put strain on the already short supply of personal protective gear used by nurses. https://youtu.be/93sxJ5vxfOA

Mary Milton: Mary is a frontline nurse in Milwaukee. She monitors the protective gear used by her hospital’s workers. She says she has "never seen such suffering” as that of her COVID-19 patients. https://youtu.be/QXDgiTlHOFs

Emily Siegrist: Emily is a nurse and nurse educator from the Milwaukee area. She is worried about the lack of support for frontline health care professionals and that protesters today will not take protective measures. https://youtu.be/Oy9S_E0kRDQ

"Front line health professionals, many of whom are risking their own health treating the victims of COVID-19, are urging the people of Wisconsin to maintain social distancing as the best way to contain this deadly pandemic,” said Robert Kraig, Executive Director of Citizen Action of Wisconsin. "If we are going to pull together and meet this challenge, we need to start listening to the scientists and the front-line caregivers, not the cynical politicians and billionaires seeking to exploit the crisis for their own purposes.”

For more detail on Citizen Action of Wisconsin’s COVID-19 policy proposals, see our March news release and memo to the Governor, and a recent column.

Visit the Wisconsin SBDC website for the most up to date information and resources regarding the COVID-19 pandemic: wisconsinsbdc.org/services/covid-19/

I received my Paycheck Protection Program loan. Now what?  What should small businesses do once they receive their Paycheck Protection Program loan? This article provides great recommendations on using the funding. Set up a good audit trail Watch the calendar Limit spending on non-payroll costs Don’t overpay wages Hire back employees Restore pay cuts Don’t forget FICA deferrals Be sure to check out the full article here.

Statewide COVID-19 Business Impact Survey Results

Thirty-five percent of Wisconsin businesses responding to a recent statewide survey reported they will be forced to close if current conditions persist for more than three months amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey was conducted by Visions Northwest and the eight other regional organizations in the state along with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. and UW-Oshkosh to assess COVID-19 business recovery ability and state and federal aid effort. It yielded nearly 2,550 responses from companies in 63 of the state’s 72 counties, covering the period April 1-10. CCRS has released an interactive dashboard detailing survey responses along with advice and insights from University faculty at http://uwosh.edu/ccrs/covid-19-survey.

Badger Bounce Back Plan

The Badger Bounce Back Plan was announced by Governor Evers on Monday, which outlines what elements need to be in place in order for businesses to reopen. Reopening will take place in phases, in close collaboration with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

Badger Bounce Back, Be Ready Guide – Joint guide from Gov. Tony Evers and WEDC for businesses and employees (full plan)

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program (PUA) - a new program for self-employed, independent contractors, those with limited work history, and others not covered by regular UI. Claimants should go to https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben/pua/ to learn about PUA. To qualify, individuals must be fully or partially unemployed for one of the following COVID-19 reasons: The individual has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and is seeking a medical diagnosis. A member of the individual’s household has been diagnosed with COVID-19. The individual is providing care for a family member or a member of the individual’s household who has been diagnosed with COVID-19. A child or other person in the household for which the individual has primary caregiving responsibility is unable to attend school or another facility that is closed as a direct result of the COVID-19 public health emergency and such school or facility care is required for the individual to work. The individual is unable to reach the place of employment because of a quarantine imposed as a direct result of the COVID-19 public health emergency. The individual is unable to reach the place of employment because the individual has been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine due to concerns related to COVID-19. The individual was scheduled to commence employment and does not have a job or is unable to reach the job as a direct result of the COVID-19 public health emergency. The individual has become the breadwinner or major support for a household because the head of the household has died as a direct result of COVID-19. The individual quit their job as a direct result of COVID-19. The individual’s place of employment is closed as a direct result of the COVID-19 public health emergency. Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) - 100% federally funded program that provides a $600 weekly supplement to unemployment compensation. FPUC provides an additional payment to individuals who are collecting benefits from ANY of the following programs: Regular Unemployment Insurance (UI), including: Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE) Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Service members (UCX) Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) Work-Share (STC) Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA) More information on FPUC available at https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben/fpuc/

"Wisconsinites have endured great sacrifice," said Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau on April 15. "And the measures that we have taken and that the governor has taken so far are working."
A Swift Unraveling
But one of his biggest issues was that Republicans didn't force Evers to roll back some more stay-at-home restrictions. He thought they'd caved to the governor. In Belling's words, they were "buffaloed."
But Belling kept at it, and kept Fitzgerald on the line for about a half-hour before letting him go.
Mixed Messages From Trump
"We're opening up our country," Trump said. "And we have to do that. America wants to be open."
On April 17, Trump sent three tweets in all caps that called on people to "LIBERATE" Minnesota, Michigan and Virginia, three states with Democratic governors who had issued stay-at-home orders.
'We Need To Be The Rosa Parks Here'
Moore said it was an important time for members of the public to exercise their right of assembly, which he predicted would become more frequent as long as the government kept the economy shut down.
On Friday, the silent majority will be staying at home.

Zoning and land information director Jason Kjeseth officially delivered the long-awaited delivery of the study group’s so-called Large-Scale Livestock Facility Report, referencing concentrated animal feeding operations, which has been the work product of many county and state people, as well as others.
County forestry director Mark Gossman continued his updates on Polk County’s 15-year forestry comprehensive land-use plan, with a presentation on portions he updated, deleted, changed or made more relevant, as part of an ongoing review continuing each month on the plan, but they took no action.
The committee did enter a closed session to discuss and consider a letter they received regarding a local tourist rooming house, and apparent possible legal action, although details were not available and no action was taken when they returned to open session.

There are confirmed cases in 65 of Wisconsin's 72 counties. The following counties have no confirmed cases as of Wednesday afternoon: Burnett, Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Pepin, Taylor and Vernon.

For more information on local resources that may be helpful, please go to westcap.org/resources/. WestCAp is a 501c3 nonprofit agency and donations are tax deductible. If you wish to help out those in need, please go to westcap.org and click on the “Donate Online” button. Inquiries about services or donations can also be made by calling 715-265-4271.

Changes allow for more business, activities to open

WISCONSIN – With the extension of the Safer At Home order through May 26, it includes a some changes to allow for more businesses and activities to open back up, while other changes help make businesses safer for employees and customers. The changes in this new order go into effect on Friday, April 24.

Businesses and activities ramping up service and operations:

• Public libraries: Public libraries may provide curb-side pick-up of books and other library materials.
• Golf Courses:Golf courses may open again, with restrictions including scheduling and paying for tee times online or by phone only. Clubhouses and pro shops must remain closed.
• Non-essential Businesses: Non-essential businesses will now be able to do more things as Minimum Basic Operations, including deliveries, mailings, and curb-side pick-up. Non-essential businesses must notify workers of whether they are necessary for the Minimum Basic Operations.
• Arts and Crafts Stores: Arts and craft stores may offer expanded curb-side pick-up of materials necessary to make face masks or other personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Aesthetic or Optional Exterior Work: Aesthetic or optional exterior law care or construction is now allowed under the extended order, so long as it can be done by one person.

Safe Business Practices:

• Safe Business Practices for Essential Businesses and Operations: Essential Businesses and Operations must increase cleaning and disinfection practices, ensure that only necessary workers are present, and adopt policies to prevent workers exposed to COVID-19 or symptomatic workers from coming to work.
• Safe Business Practices for Retailers that Essential Businesses and Operations: Retail stores that remain open to the public as Essential Businesses and Operations must limit the number of people in the store at one time, must provide proper spacing for people waiting to enter, and large stores must offer at least two hours per week of dedicated shopping time for vulnerable populations.
• SupplyChain: Essential Businesses and Operations that are essential because they supply, manufacture, or distribute goods and services to other Essential Businesses and Operations can only continue operations that are necessary to those businesses they supply. All other operations must continue as Minimum Basic Operations.

Other changes include:

• Schools: Public and private K-12 schools will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.
• Local parks and open space: Local health officials may close public parks and open spaces if it becomes too difficult to ensure social distancing or the areas are being mistreated.
• Travel: People are strongly encourage to stay close to home, not travel to second homes or cabins, and not to travel out-of-state if it is not necessary.
• Tribal Nations: Tribal Nations are sovereign over their territory and can impose their own restrictions. Non-tribal members should be respectful of and avoid non-essential travel to Tribal territory. Local government must coordinate, collaborate, and share information with Tribal Nations.
• Duration: The changes in this order go into effect on April 24, 2020. The order will remain in effect until 8 a.m. on May 26, 2020.

If you have questions, a Frequently Asked Questions document is available here for your review.

The public should continue to follow simple steps to avoid exposure to the virus and prevent illness including:

• Avoiding social gatherings with people of all ages (including play dates and sleepovers, parties, large family dinners, visitors in your home, non-essential workers in your house);
• Frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water;
• Covering coughs and sneezes;
• Avoiding touching one's face; and
• Staying home.

This is a rapidly evolving situation, and we encourage you and the public to frequently monitor the DHS website.

When schools closed in Fall Creek, Wis., because of the coronavirus, the district staff got an unusual message. Don't worry for now about assignments or quizzes, Superintendent Joe Sanfelippo told them. Instead, "I want you to call people. And I want you to ask them two questions: How are you doing? And do you need anything?"

The district had also ordered Chromebooks and Wi-Fi hot spots to help connect families in this small, rural community. But the hotspots were delayed, and many families live in areas with poor signal strength.

Plus, Sanfelippo was after a different connection: "We're not even talking about Internet connection," he says. "We're talking about connection to an adult in the building."

For Sanfelippo and many educators around the country, the biggest fear with schools shut down isn't lost learning, it's losing contact with their students. So they're going back to an old-fashioned communication tool: the telephone.

"It's kind of an analog approach to connecting with students, but it works," says Michael Magee, the CEO of Chiefs for Change, an organization that works with school superintendents across the country. "The greatest danger to both learning and the health and well-being of their communities is not having a line of sight on every single child."

Schools are often the most trusted places in communities. Families turn to them for information, resources, food and a link to other social services. "It's a teacher or a principal or someone in the school community who families are most likely to trust," says Magee, "and so they play a critical role at this moment that goes well beyond the role they play in learning and academic achievement."

Chad Gestson, superintendent of the Phoenix Union High School District, agrees. "There's magic in phone calls," he says. "Magic and personal touch."

In Arizona's capital, the digital divide is stark, despite a massive effort to get families connected to the Internet. So Gestson and his team created an initiative called Every Student, Every Day: They pledged to call every student — there are about 28,000 of them — every day.

"We certainly haven't abandoned the importance of the Internet and laptops and devices and online learning," Gestson explains. "We continue to push that. But we serve a large population of youth who don't have devices or connectivity in the house. If we want to connect to 100% of our youth, most of that will have to happen over the phone."

Every adult who works for the district — bus drivers, teachers, coaches, support staff — even the superintendent — was assigned a list of students to call.

And while they ask questions about academics and connectivity, that's not the main reason they call, Gestson says. Instead, it's: How are you doing today? How's your family doing today? Do you still live in your current residence? Are you worried about rent? Do you have food on your table and in your cupboards? Is your electricity still on? Is anyone sick in your house?

The district staff have been at this for a little more than a week. They've heard stories of successes — that students are filling out their financial aid forms for college, or they're working on projects and assignments. But they're also hearing from families who've lost their incomes and are on the brink of homelessness, who need food and other social services.

And while they estimate they've talked to most of the district's students, there are still about 5,000 they haven't reached.

"That's a scary number," says Gestson. "We're trying every day. Numbers are disconnected, and youth aren't answering phone calls. We don't know if that means they're homeless or if they've moved. We don't know if that just means they no longer have a phone or electricity."

Gestson says he and his staff aren't giving up. They're doing home visits now, too. While maintaining a safe social distance, he says, educators are out there, knocking on doors. They're letting students and families know that even though school buildings are closed, the teachers and staff are still there, with open arms.

 
Wisconsin counties are likely to see tax revenues decline and service demands increase during the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis, with particular challenges in regions that rely on commuters, visitors and tourists, according to a new report from the Wisconsin Policy Forum.
 
Counties are likely to face the greatest fiscal challenges among Wisconsin’s local governments. They are the only ones that receive significant sales tax revenues and, due to services they provide, are the most likely to see increased demand for services during the economic downturn brought about by the pandemic. 
 
"As the impact from the coronavirus roils the economy here and around the world, Wisconsin’s counties lie in its path,” the report warns.
 
Wisconsin counties possess some advantages, particularly relative to their counterparts in other states. For example, their overall reliance on property taxes – which the Forum has found to be problematic in normal times – gives Wisconsin counties greater protection from the immediate steep drops in revenue that an economic downturn could bring to counties in other states that rely more heavily on sales and other taxes.
 
But county governments can still expect significant revenue challenges ahead. Sixty-eight of the state's 72 counties collect a 0.5% sales tax, which will see diminished revenues, and potentially stunning drops in some regions with significant visitors. 
 
Other revenue challenges may include declines in collections from charges for services, and a likely rise in delinquent property tax payments. Meanwhile, as key providers of health and human services, counties are likely to see spending demands increase due to the health and economic ramifications of the crisis.
 
As we discuss in this and in our recent companion to this report, "The COVID Fiscal Fall-out for Cities and Villages” municipal and county reliance on property taxes could be advantageous for now. Property taxes comprise about 30%-60% of general revenues across Wisconsin’s 72 counties, with state aid the other top contributor. While property values are likely to fall, perhaps sharply, the loss in value must be quantified via updated property assessments and will take some time to determine -- with the impact being felt no sooner than for 2022 levies.
 
Another key advantage for counties, though not necessarily for taxpayers, is that if and when decreases in property values are reflected in assessments, county officials may offset any decline in overall values by raising property tax rates. However, while raising rates is legally permissible, county officials may deem it unfair to ask property owners to pay the same or higher property taxes as their property value declines. Or they may feel it is inappropriate to increase levies in light of the economic hardship experienced by many citizens.
 
Counties also could face near-term difficulties in collecting from property owners, and a sharp rise in unpaid property tax installments has the potential of creating immediate cash flow challenges for some counties.

 Meanwhile, sales taxes generated 8.1% of the revenue total for Wisconsin counties in 2018. With the sharp decline or outright disappearance of sales in some sectors such as food and drink service, hospitality, and brick-and-mortar retail, these revenues are certain to decline markedly. And unlike some states, Wisconsin exempts groceries from sales taxes, making revenues here potentially more vulnerable. Initial projections by Wisconsin’s two largest counties, Milwaukee and Dane, indicate potential 2020 shortfalls in sales tax collections of $17 million and $25 million, respectively. The report concludes that counties are fortunate that revenue streams most vulnerable to severe disruption comprise relatively small portions of their overall revenues. But other factors, such as the likelihood of increasing needs for some county services, will create fiscal stress. 
 
"That would pose a difficult dilemma even in a time of steady revenues," the report concludes, "thus making even modest crisis-induced revenue declines a formidable challenge for counties as they navigate the uncertain times ahead.” 
 
Go here to read "The Covid-19 Fiscal Fall-Out for Counties.”
 
The Wisconsin Policy Forum is the state’s leading source of nonpartisan, independent research on state and local public policy. As a nonprofit, our research is supported by members including hundreds of corporations, nonprofits, local governments, school districts, and individuals. Visit wispolicyforum.org to learn more.

The new order includes minor changes allowing certain activities to start up again, now:
Public libraries can provide curbside pickup of books.
Golf courses can open with more spread out tee times.
Non-essential businesses will be allowed to do deliveries, mailings and curbside pick-up.
Arts and crafts stores can do curb-side pick-up for materials used to make masks.
Aesthetic lawn care or construction is allowed as long as it’s done by one person.
The new order also mandates essential retail stores limit the number of people present in the store at one time, provide proper social-distance spacing for those waiting to enter; and provide at least two hours of shopping per week for vulnerable populations.
Palm said Thursday the state has 29 labs that are able to conduct a total of 7,578 tests per day.
Bipartisan coalition of governors will work together to reopen states
At the Thursday press conference, Evers said Wisconsin has joined a partnership with other Midwestern governors who will coordinate on ways to reopen the economy in the Midwest region.
Weekly unemployment claims approach 600K
"Now is the time to be focused on (fighting the spread of COVID-19)," Hughes said. "If we don't do that work now, we'll fall back behind the curve ... and customers won't be comfortable coming into your stores or sitting in your restaurants, and employees will feel uncomfortable working there."
The administration’s order comes as the number of cases of COVID-19 continues to rise. As of Thursday afternoon, there were 3,875 positive cases of COVID-19 statewide and 197 deaths, according to DHS.
As of Thursday, Iowa has not issued a formal stay-at-home or shelter-in-place order. The governor there has said restrictions she's issued during the pandemic have the same impact such orders have.

BURNETT COUNTY - The Burnett County Tourism Coalition has created a webpage, burnettcountyfun.com/covid-19/, to keep the public informed as the state of Wisconsin continues to monitor the rapidly evolving status of covid-19. They want to provide resources to keep everyone informed on the efforts made to address the needs of our travelers and residents. “At the Burnett County Tourism Coalition, the well-being of residents and visitors is our greatest priority. It is in our nature to be wild and free. And to do so safely, it is important that we all act and adventure responsibly. During times when public health is at risk, we must ask that all travelers and locals respect the health and safety recommendations that have been implemented by staying home to ensure collective wellness. By waiting to travel, we can maintain Wisconsin as a wide-open safe haven and source of inspiration."

Benefits will be available April 12 and April 26

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced that more than 215,000 FoodShare households will be receiving additional benefits. These benefits will help those Wisconsin families stay healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The effects of the pandemic have been hard on all Wisconsinites, but especially hard on the most vulnerable people in our state," said Andrea Palm, Secretary-designee of the Department of Health Services. "The ability for eligible households to access additional FoodShare benefits during this public health emergency provides an important lifeline to one of our most basic human needs."

Under the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Wisconsin is able to provide FoodShare recipients with the maximum monthly benefit amount, based on the number of people in their household, for two months.

As a result, for March and April, FoodShare households not currently receiving the maximum monthly benefit amount for their family size will receive additional benefits bringing them up to that level. The additional March benefits will be available on QUEST cards on April 12, and the additional April benefits will be available on QUEST cards on April 26. If the COVID-19 emergency extends beyond April, DHS will work with its federal partners on any future opportunities to provide additional emergency allotments.

Households will receive a letter notifying them of the additional benefits. Households already receiving the maximum amount will not receive additional benefits. The following is the maximum monthly benefit amount based on the number of people in the household:

Wisconsinites are adapting to life under the cloud of COVID-19, and for a growing group that means getting into the habit of covering up with a face mask when they venture from their homes.

Indeed, face masks may be spring 2020's most en vogue apparel, though the burgeoning trend began not on a fashion runway but with a dryly worded recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC's recommendation that Americans wear non-medical "cloth face coverings" in public places such as grocery stores and pharmacies came on April 3, after weeks of growing speculation it might happen. The move came as a debate builds among health experts in the United States and around the world on the role of face masks in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Advocates for using face masks have cited the slower progression of outbreaks in places where their use in public is deeply ingrained, such as in Hong Kong and South Korea, though evidence directly linking their use in public to reduced transmission of respiratory disease is lacking. Some have also argued that wearing masks could still help slow the spread of COVID-19 by reinforcing social norms and appropriate hygiene practices that can help limit transmission, especially if individuals who don't know they are infected wear one.

And yet other public health authorities, including at the World Health Organization, have feared any new guidance encouraging the broad use of face masks, even if it explicitly emphasized preserving medical-grade masks for healthcare settings, would inevitably exacerbate acute shortages hospitals are feeling worldwide. More than a week after the CDC changed its stance on the matter, the WHO maintains its guidance that healthy people should only wear a mask if they are caring for someone with COVID-19. Many medical professionals and public health experts in the U.S., including in Wisconsin, feel the same way.

For its part, the CDC issued carefully worded language that provided individuals who wished to wear a face mask with instructions for crafting their own mask out of household materials.

The recommendations attempted to strike a balance between concerns on each side of the mask question. As such, it amounted to somewhat of an about-face for the agency, whose prior guidance explicitly did not recommend the public use of masks of any type among healthy individuals in response to COVID-19. In Wisconsin, health officials conformed with the CDC's prior stance when WisContext first explored this issue in February.

Public health guidance aside, many people in Wisconsin and elsewhere have decided for themselves whether or not to wear a mask in public, perhaps driven in part by their increasingly ubiquitous presence in the news and on social media.

No matter how they came to their decision, many did not wait for the CDC's new stance, which came more than two months after the disease was first diagnosed on American soil. What changed over that time that would have prompted such a fierce debate among public health experts and ultimately led to the new guidance?

Shifting norms, limited evidence

In making its recommendation, the CDC acknowledged a growing body of evidence that many people who are infected with SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, may show little or no symptoms even while carrying a significant amount of the virus in their systems. The evidence, including the CDC's own examination of a cluster of cases in King County, Washington, has added weight to concerns that asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic individuals may be an unwitting and significant vector of the disease.

"That may have been the tipping point for this change," said Dr. Nasia Safdar, an infectious diseases physician and chief medical officer for infection control at UW Health in Madison.

Safdar pointed out that scientific evidence that would link the widespread use of face masks to slower transmission of COVID-19 remains elusive.

"The data supporting it hasn't really changed all that much," she said.

What has changed, in Safdar’s view, besides a firmer understanding of asymptomatic infection, is Americans' attitudes toward wearing face masks in public.

"The decisions that are being made are being swayed by momentum, by public opinion and by what others have done, in Asia, for instance, where there's long been this culture of wearing masks in public," Safdar said.

Wisconsin's state epidemiologist of communicable diseases Dr. Ryan Westergaard shared that view.

"I think two things happened," said Westergaard. "One is that there's sort of a general public acceptance [of wearing face masks]. Initially it was sort of at odds with our cultural norms."

The other shift, according to Westergaard, is the public health view that wearing a face mask could possibly help reduce the impact of lax etiquette among people who fail to properly cover their sneezes and coughs, especially if they are carrying the virus without realizing it. To that end, wearing a face mask in public is less about personal protection and more about protecting the community.

"I don't know the degree to which the public sees that distinction," Westergaard said.

At the same time, any protective impact of wearing face masks in public could easily be negated by their improper use, which is something Safdar worries a lot about. It only takes one sneeze or cough to potentially soil a cloth mask with infectious particles, meaning even a minor mask adjustment could risk contaminating a wearer's fingers and subsequently anything they touch.

"It just seems fraught with potential for contamination," Safdar said.

Concerns over medical supplies persist

Public health officials remain worried about the potential diversion of personal protective equipment like medical-grade surgical masks and N95 respirators as more people take up wearing face masks in public. This equipment is crucial for protecting healthcare workers while they test and treat symptomatic patients, and many workers in Wisconsin, from nurses in urban hospitals to rural EMTs, remain critically short of it.

Westergaard said personal protective equipment continues to be Wisconsin's "highest need" in its response to COVID-19. The state's needs remain so acute that it has set up a donation and exchange system to facilitate the acquisition of personal protective equipment and other medical supplies.

The CDC's face mask guidance is clearly crafted to encourage the use of homemade or purchased cloth masks and explicitly calls for preserving personal protective equipment like N95 respirators and surgical masks for healthcare settings. But numerous images of voters and poll workers wearing medical-grade gear during Wisconsin's April 7 election signaled that many people may not be receptive to this message as it gets drowned out by fears over the contagion.

Both Westergaard and Safdar said they don't blame anybody for wearing medical masks at polling stations, especially if that's what election officials gave them, or if it was what they had on hand. Safdar instead reserved her judgment for state officials who allowed in-person voting to take place in the midst of a pandemic, a situation she said "wasn't a great idea."

"I think you send a mixed message to people where you're telling healthcare workers to reuse their PPE when they're taking care of actively sick patients, but yet, in the public, you're seeing this waste of PPE," Safdar said. "It's a shame."

A personal decision

Mixed messages from elected officials can make the decision to wear a face mask — and choosing which type to wear — a fraught one for Wisconsinites who are still figuring out how they can best protect themselves and their communities.

Unlike in a growing number of municipalities such as Washington D.C, Miami and Los Angeles, deciding whether to wear a mask or other face covering in public remains a personal decision in Wisconsin, and residents are choosing to use them for a variety of reasons.

Ruth King lives near Spooner in rural Washburn County, which reported its first confirmed COVID-19 infection on April 13. A stormwater specialist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, King questions whether there is clear scientific evidence supporting the use of face masks in public. Still, she buys groceries for her elderly mother and generally heeds advice from the CDC, King said, and she wants to do her part to minimize the chance she or members of her family could catch the highly contagious disease.

King has also noticed more people wearing masks as they shop for food and supplies at Spooner's lone grocery store since the CDC shifted its guidance.

"When a lot of people are wearing them, you feel the peer pressure to wear them yourself," King said.

Across the state in Green Bay, Carl Hujet is concerned that a recently diagnosed heart condition puts him at a higher risk for complications should he come down with COVID-19. A neighbor recently gave Hujet a hand-sewn mask, and he fashioned another with supplies from home. Hujet said the CDC's new guidance prompted him to transition from wearing a mask in public only sometimes to doing so religiously, whether he's at the grocery store, doctor's office or a gas station.

Hujet has read that wearing a mask is more about protecting others in case one is an asymptomatic carrier, but he also feels a greater sense of personal security with one on.

"I don't want to kill anybody, and I don't want to be killed," Hujet said.

Meanwhile, Ann Gainey of Wind Lake in exurban Milwaukee has considered it prudent to wear a face mask in public since the disease began spreading globally after the initial outbreak in China, which prominently featured imagery of Chinese citizens and leaders donning masks.

A retired nurse who spent four decades caring for nursing home residents and ICU patients, Gainey said she was frustrated with the CDC for waiting so long to shift its guidance on the use of face masks in public.

"I was an advocate of face masks from the get-go," said Gainey, who said she understood the CDC was likely worried about runs on medical personal protective equipment. Still, as its new, carefully worded guidance demonstrates, there are other face covering options for the public.

To that end, Gainey has sewn and sent more than 150 cloth masks to friends and family around the nation since the outbreak began.

"It upset me that people weren't being encouraged more to wear face masks," she said.

In Madison, Sam Million-Weaver said he also felt an urge to wear a face mask prior to the CDC's new stance, but a lack of clear guidance made him feel as though there wasn't social permission to do so.

"If no one's doing it, you don't want to be the one weird guy wearing a mask," said Million-Weaver, who is a medical writer for a medical science organization. He said that since the CDC changed its mask guidance he's noticed many more people wearing face coverings in public at places like his neighborhood grocery store. Still, Million-Weaver is concerned that the federal government's messaging on the matter remains confused.

"It would be helpful if our government could send a unified message," he said, taking issue with President Donald Trump's refusal to wear a mask.

"A lot more people would be following the good public health example if our elected leadership was setting a good public health example," he said.

Mask demand spikes

No matter the messages coming from the federal government, many Wisconsinites are taking up the use — and creation — of face masks. That's according to organizers of a statewide volunteer effort to sew and distribute cloth masks who have been inundated with requests since the CDC shifted its guidance.

The Wisconsin Face Mask Warriors is a growing network of volunteers with local chapters around the state, such as one in Green Bay. In late March, members began producing cloth face masks for frontline workers in essential sectors, including nursing homes, grocery stores and pharmacies.

The group produces masks that fall in line with the CDC's recommendations — multiple layers of washable cloth that fit tightly over the nose and mouth and have ear straps. The cotton masks can be washed repeatedly and are compatible with autoclave systems that sterilize materials under high pressure and temperature.

The group's ranks have quickly grown to more than 4,000 volunteers around the state, according to organizers Dena Bennett of New London and Jenni Cardell of Madison. But demand for their masks has also exploded, both from facilities lacking personal protective equipment — including medical facilities — and from a growing number of individuals seeking the masks for personal use.

"We have just been bombarded with requests. It's just crazy," said Bennett.

The group does not deny personal requests, Bennett said, but prioritizes those from institutions and frontline workers.

Requests range from a handful of masks to huge shipments, noted Cardell.

"Just in the last 15 minutes we had a single request come through … from a medical facility, and they were asking for 15,000 masks," Cardell said in an interview on April 9.

Such demand speaks both to a public desire to minimize transmission and to the ongoing trouble Wisconsin's health systems face as they seek to secure protective equipment for frontline workers confronting COVID-19.

Emphasizing proven strategies

The goal of limiting the spread of COVID-19 is why public health officials like Ryan Westergaard and Nasia Safdar are underscoring the need to maintain strategies that are proven to slow transmission, chief among them proper handwashing and significant physical distancing.

Several weeks after their implementation in Wisconsin, these measures may have started to slow the rate of new infections in the state — or "flatten the curve" — by mid-April. However, state officials cautioned against declaring an early victory.

Westergaard also emphasized that wearing a face mask must not be considered a stand in for physical distancing or proper hygiene etiquette.

"We don't want people to wear face coverings at the expense of paying attention to other important infection control measures like hand washing," he said.

Safdar said the positive effects of physical distancing, including Wisconsin's stay-at-home order, are apparent at Madison's University Hospital, where she works.

"We're definitely seeing a decline in the trajectory [of new infections]," she said. "We're still seeing a few, but it's nowhere near as fast and high in volume as we expected when this started out based on what we have seen other cities dealing with. So in the health system, we are seeing an effect of social distancing being done by the public."

Safdar acknowledged the steep economic costs of the state's measures, but said she hoped they would remain in effect for some time to come, fearing a resurgence in transmission if distancing were relaxed too much too soon.

Kink in supply chain
Say cheese, please
“This is uncharted territory for all of us and this is what we can do to make a difference, that’s what we can focus on to do our part in this,” said Dan Dowling, BDC’s CEO.

St. Croix River Visitor Center and Fairy Falls Day Use area closed ST. CROIX FALLS/STILLWATER, Minn. - St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is announcing modifications to operations to implement the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, and local and state authorities to promote social distancing. The St. Croix River Visitor Center, located in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, was scheduled to open on April 13 and is closed until further notice. In addition, the Fairy Falls Day Use Area, located near Stillwater, Minnesota, is closed to public use until further notice. Outdoor spaces, including river access locations, will remain open to provide healthy options for the public as long as it is possible to adhere to the latest health guidance. Groups are limited to 10 people or less. Group campsites will have a maximum capacity of 10 people. To protect public health and safety, all visitors to the Riverway are encouraged to • Avoid popular areas during peak hours. If an area is crowded, search for a location with less people. • Park only in designated areas. • Take your trash with you when you leave. • Stay in your local area. • Avoid high risk outdoor activities. • Avoid visiting the Riverway if you are sick and/or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms • Follow CDC guidance on personal hygiene and social distancing before and during your visit. The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers and partners at St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is our number one priority. The National Park Service is working with the federal, state and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. We will notify the public when we resume full operations and provide updates at nps.gov/sacn, or @StCroixNSR on Facebook.

AB 1038 eliminates the one-week waiting period for unemployment claims and retroactively pays for the first week of unemployment for claims made after March 12. The bill also:
• Eases licensing requirements for health care professionals and emergency medical responders.
• Allows pharmacists to extend prescriptions.
• Expands SeniorCare to include coverage of vaccinations.
• Ensures no co-pays for COVID-19 testing.
• Prohibits health insurance coverage discrimination based on COVID-19.
• Provides the needed flexibilities to school districts to complete the school year online.
Wisconsin is also expected to receive approximately $2.2 billion in federal support, which will be overseen by Governor Evers.

Baldwin concludes, “It is past time that you take action to demonstrate leadership and support our states. I look forward to your response and more importantly, to the action you will take to address these concerns.”

Summary of the new guidance
Extensions for filing returns
• Income/franchise and pass-through withholding returns due on or after April 1, 2020, and before July 15, 2020 are extended to July 15, 2020.
Extensions for return payments
• Income/franchise and pass-through withholding tax due on or after April 1, 2020, and before July 15, 2020, will not accrue interest or penalties until July 16, 2020.
Waiver of underpayment interest on estimated payments
• UPI will not apply to income/franchise and pass-through withholding returns with a tax year ending on December 31, 2019, or returns that are due on or after April 1 and before July 15.
Extensions for estimated payments of income/franchise and pass-through withholding tax
• Estimated payments due on or after April 1, 2020, and before July 15, 2020 are extended to July 15. Note: First quarter estimated payments are generally due April 15 and second quarter estimated payments are generally due June 15.
Federal economic impact payments (stimulus payments)
Customer service phone numbers
Individuals: 608-266‑2486
Businesses: 608-266-2776
Find the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Wisconsin: wisconsin.gov/covid19.

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today announced an application has been submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to begin the development of a second alternative care facility (ACF) in Wisconsin to prepare for a potential surge in COVID-19 cases. The Army Corp of Engineers has partnered with states to build ACFs to support existing, local medical infrastructures in response to the spread of COVID-19. "This second alternative care facility will be an essential backup facility to ensure our healthcare system in the south central region is not overwhelmed. FEMA and the Army Corp of Engineers have been tremendous planning partners for our state and we are thankful for their quick responsiveness,” said Gov. Evers. "Wisconsin residents are doing a good job of helping to flatten the curve in our state by following the guidelines of our Safer at Home order, but we must continue our efforts to manage the pandemic in order to protect Wisconsinites. Hopefully this second site will not be needed, but we must prepare for it now so we are ready.” "Dane County is proud to partner with Governor Evers and make our facility available to the state as a potential alternative care site to ensure our community has the medical resources it needs to fight the spread of COVID-19,” said Dane County Executive Joe Parisi. Once approved, the Army Corp of Engineers will sign contracts with a contractor and a number of subcontractors. Additional details regarding facility operations, acuity level, and patient capacity will be shared as they become available. With the number of COVID-19 cases still on the rise, all individuals are encouraged to do the following: Stay at home as much as possible. Cancel events and avoid groups, gatherings, play dates, and nonessential appointments. Stay at least 6 feet away from other people, when possible. Practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching face, eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and cough and sneeze into your elbow. Continue to visit the Department of Health Services COVID-19 informational website, This comprehensive website has resources, updates, and answers to commonly asked questions about COVID-19. More information regarding the state-wide COVID-19 response is also available here.

WASHBURN COUNTY — On Saturday, April 18, one man will run 12 hours for one purpose: helping Washburn County residents during the COVID 19 health emergency. Out Run the Virus is a fundraising event supporting the Community First Washburn County mission to provide basic care packages, supplemental meal delivery and a resource hotline to those in need during this challenging time.

As more people are furloughed or laid off from work, The Salvation Army has responded to the escalating number of requests for hot meals, food shelf distributions, and emergency financial assistance for household expenses. Some service centers have seen food shelf distributions skyrocket as much as 800%. In one example, The Salvation Army responded this week to an emergency request from a St. Paul senior housing facility and provided boxes of groceries for 110 of their most vulnerable residents.
Interviews with Colonel Richardson are available; please contact Dan Furry at 651-746-3572 or [email protected] to schedule.

Permit applications can be submitted by completing the information below and emailing it to [email protected], faxing it to 608-264-7751 Attn: COVID-19, or mailing it to Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Bureau of Highway Maintenance, P.O. Box 7980, Madison WI 53707-7980.
• WI Oversize permits account #:
• US DOT #:
• Company name:
• Address/City/State/Zip code:
• Phone number:
• Email address:
• Contact person:
View this document online at the WisDOT Newsroom at: wisconsindot.gov/news.

To show solidarity in the fight against COVID-19, the Minnesota Historical Society is offering a beacon of hope. This evening, Split Rock Lighthouse, which operates as an MNHS historic site, will light its beacon over Lake Superior from 8-11 p.m. “This is a way of saying to all Minnesotans, and to all people worldwide, that together we will weather this storm,” Kent Whitworth, director and CEO of MNHS, said. The beacon of the 1910 lighthouse is only lit a few times each year, reserved for select special occasions. The public can view a livestream on the Split Rock Lighthouse Facebook.