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Mon
30
Mar
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White House Extends Social Distancing Guidelines

WASHINGTON DC–In a press conference on March 29, Pres. Donald Trump extended the federal social distancing guidelines until April 30.

The announcement came just days after the president told reporters that he hoped to see churches full on Easter, April 12, despite COVID-1 cases climbing around the country. He called the wish for the country to be up and running by April 12, “aspirational.”

“I want our life back again,” he said from the White House Rose Garden.

Addressing the potential death rates the president said it would be good if the country could keep deaths at 100,000. Projection models have speculated that the death toll could go as high as 2.2 billion in the US. 

“It’s a horrible number. We all together have done a very good job,” he stated. 

Dr. Anthony Fauci, who has been leading the medical team for the federal government said he predicts 100,000-200,000 deaths if the country does not do all it can to mitigate the crisis. 

Fri
27
Mar
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Evers Suspends Evictions, Foreclosures for 60 Days

MADISON–On March 27, Gov. Tony Evers directed Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Secretary-designee Andrea Palm to temporarily order the suspension of evictions and foreclosures amid the COVID-19 public health emergency. 

The order prohibits landlords from evicting tenants for any reason unless failure to proceed with the eviction will result in an imminent threat of serious physical harm to another person and mortgagees from commencing civil action to foreclose on real estate for 60 days. Wisconsinites who are able to continue to meet their financial obligations are urged to do so. This order does not in any way relieve a person's obligation to pay their rent or mortgages. 

Wed
25
Mar
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First Dane County Death Reported from COVID-19

MADISON-Public Health Madison & Dane County is confirming the first Dane County death associated with novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). The individual was in their late 70s.

“We are saddened by the loss of one of our community members, and we extend our sympathies to their loved ones,” says Janel Heinrich, Director of Public Health Madison & Dane County. “COVID-19 can cause serious health complications and death, especially among older adults and people with chronic health conditions, that’s why it’s important that we all work together to prevent the spread of illness.”

To date, over 70 people in Dane County have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

“We strongly encourage community members to stay home unless activities are essential. In doing so, you’re not only helping protect yourself, but also our family, friends, neighbors, and fellow community members,” says Heinrich.

 

Wed
25
Mar
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Community Leaders Join Forces in Midst of COVID-19 Crisis

MIDDLETON–At the request of Middleton resident Bartlett Durand, community leaders came together in a Zoom meeting last week to provide updates and share resources of how the community can pull together during the COVID-19 outbreak. The virtual meeting, which was the first of regularly scheduled Friday meeting with the group, has been given the moniker Good Neighbor Hub.

He expressed his concern with the psychology of the community, and said he wanted to make sure no one was left behind during the crisis. “I’m kind of scared for our community. People are isolated and I’m worried,” Durand said. He added that he would like people to call on the six neighbors on either side of them to find out their needs and concerns.

City Administrator Mike Davis spoke first after Mayor Gurdip Brar, who was on the call could not be heard. Davis said the main concern for the city had been the upcoming election, urging residents to vote absentee. 

Wed
25
Mar
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Governor Outlines 'Safer at Home' Order

MADISON–Gov. Tony Evers signed an order Tuesday shutting down all non-essential businesses in the state in an effort to curb COVID-19 cases. The order called “Safer at Home,” was announced on the governor’s Twitter account on Monday, and details were worked out to determine which businesses were essential before the official announcement was made on March 24. 

In a live YouTube feed for media, Evers said the latest action is an effort to slow the spread of the disease, of which case had risen to 481 by the time of the press conference. 

“I have said all along this is a fluid process,” said the governor who was joined by health officials during the conference. 

He said the decision did not come lightly, and his concern was for citizens and healthcare workers in the state. 

“That’s always been the bottom line for me, keeping people safe,” Evers said. “At the end of the day, folks, we are all in this together.”

Mon
23
Mar
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Judge Extends Online Voter Registration

WISCONSIN–A federal judge has extended the deadline for online voter registration to March 30 to accommodate voters in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. Online registration had closed on March 18, but District Judge William M. Conley from the US District Court-Western District of Wisconsin approved an extension on March 20.

The Democratic National Committee and state Democrats petitioned the court to extend both voter registration and deadline for absentee ballot requests to April 3. Instead Conley shortened the registration date to March 30 and left the date to request a ballot at April 2 at 5 p.m.

Residents are encouraged to vote by mail in the April 7 Spring Election, but at this time, the primary is scheduled to go on as scheduled. Clerks are asking for to volunteers to man the polling places. If you would like to volunteer to work the polls on election day, contact your local town, village or city clerk.

Mon
23
Mar
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Evers to Issue "Safer at Home" Order on Tuesday

WISCONSIN–Gov. Tony Evers announced on his Twitter account this morning that he is in the process of drafting a “Safer at Home” executive order to be officially announced on March 24. Evers said that after conversations with health officials and business owners it is clear more needs to be done to prevent citizens form going out in public. 

In a string of tweets, Evers explained why the order will be put in place and askes people to limit their interaction to a small group of the same people.

Sat
21
Mar
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City Conducting COVID-19 Surveys

MIDDLETON–The City of Middleton is conducting two surveys concerning COVID-19 in an effort to learn how the virus is affecting the community.

The surveys and their respective websites are as follows:

COVID-19: The Household Status Survey: https://polco.us/s226f

COVID-19: Resident Knowledge and Attitude Survey: https://polco.us/s0982

Sat
21
Mar
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County Partners with Hotels to Help Homeless Social Distance

MADISON–On March 19, County Executive Joe Parisi announced that Dane County has partnered with several hotels in Madison to secure 72 hotel rooms and counting to ensure safe social distancing for individuals experiencing homelessness in Dane County. The rooms will be used specifically for families experiencing homelessness who were staying in overnight shelter, and individuals experiencing homelessness who are considered high-risk in multiple categories for COVID-19. Move-in starts today. Dane County is allocating over $150,000 for the rooms and to provide these residents with meals. Supportive services will be provided by a number of service agencies.

Sat
21
Mar
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Evers Announces Approval of SBA Loans for Wisconsin

MADISON–Gov. Tony Evers announced today that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved Wisconsin’s request for small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to access low-interest federal disaster loans.

“This is very good news for Wisconsin businesses that have already suffered financial losses due to the COVID-19 outbreak,” he said. “With the SBA loans now available to our state, small businesses and their employees have a little more certainty over their financial futures. This is another step in providing much-needed assistance to Wisconsin's small businesses.”

With unprecedented demand for the loans nationwide, processing of the applications may be delayed. 

“We are encouraging business owners to reach out to SBA’s partners [mentioned below] and to SBA’s offices with their questions to help the loan application process go as smoothly as possible,” said Wisconsin's SBA district director, Eric Ness.

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