(Madison) Mass gatherings of more than 50 people are now prohibited in Wisconsin. Governor Tony Evers Monday issued drastic new measures as COVID-19 coronavirus cases grow in Wisconsin.
Evers called on Wisconsin Department of Health Services Andrea Palm to order a ban on public gatherings of 50 or more, with the exception of critical infrastructure including hospitals, day care centers, homeless shelters and grocery stores.
The Department of Health Services reports confirmed COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin have increased from 33 to 46 as of Monday.
Dr. Ryan Westergaard, Chief Medical Officer of the Bureau of Communicable Diseases, said some patients have only mild symptoms, but others are critically ill. He said that community spread, that is cases in people who have not traveled outside the state or nation, or had contact with those who have, is now likely.
Westergaard explained that the social distancing measures are critical to stemming the rapid spread of the disease, and preventing the health care system from being overwhelmed.
Also on Monday, Wisconsin’s State Emergency Operations Center moved to a Level 1 response in order to coordinate the work of state agencies in one location, the first time it’s been done for a health-related incident.
Dodge County Public Health Officer Abby Sauer says they are keeping track of this outbreak and are working closely with federal, state and local partners to be prepared for any changes and to make sure information is shared with the public. Gatherings that bring together fewer than 50 people in a single room at the same time must operate at 50-percent of seating capacity, preserve social distancing of six feet between people and follow all other public health recommendations issued by the state health department and the Dodge County Public Health Unit.
Courtesy of WRN
