Live: What To Know April 14 About COVID-19 In Wisconsin

The number of positive cases of COVID-19 in Wisconsin continues to grow.

The state Department of Health Services announced Tuesday there are 3,555 positive cases of COVID-19 statewide and 170 deaths.

As the response to the virus evolves, Wisconsin Public Radio will be keeping track of up-to-date happenings here, and in our broadcast and online coverage. If you have questions or concerns about COVID-19 — either about the virus, prevention or preparation — ask us and we’ll do our best to answer.

For explanations for common questions and additional information about COVID resources, read WisContext’s story listing 10 things to know about the pandemic and public health in the state.

For a compilation of all WPR’s coverage, visit WPR’s Coronavutiirus In Wisconsin section.

Here are the latest updates on the new coronavirus in Wisconsin:

5:31 PM: Evers: Could Be A Month Before Lockdown Lifts

Gov. Tony Evers is saying it could be at least a month before he starts to relax social distancing mandates, according to the Associated Press

The governor told KSTP-TV on Tuesday that lifting the mandates won’t be “like flipping a switch” and it could be weeks or a month before he starts rolling them back.

Evers said he wants to see more testing for the coronavirus, tracking the sick and more protective gear before he starts thinking about reopening businesses. Evers’ stay-at-home and school closure orders are set to expire on April 24.

As of Tuesday, the coronavirus had killed 170 people in Wisconsin and infected more than 3,500.

3:45 PM: State Assembly Passes Coronavirus Relief Package

Wisconsin’s Assembly passed a coroanvirus relief package Tuesday that prohibits insurance companies from charging copays on COVID-19 tests, makes it easier for out-of-state or retired health care workers to practice in Wisconsin and eliminates the week-long waiting period for unemployment insurance.

“There was a collaborative effort in crafting the legislation, using input from Democrats, Republicans, workers, business owners, healthcare providers and constituents,” Speaker Robin Vos said in a statement. “The result was a bill that bolsters the state’s response to the public health emergency.”

The Assembly voted 97-2 in favor of the legislation. Half of its members attended the special session in person, while the other half connected remotely to ensure proper social distancing.

The Assembly rejected several Democratic amendments to the bill, including transitioning remaining 2020 elections to mail-in only.

The state Senate will vote on the relief package Wednesday.

3:35 PM: State Launches Site To Help Wisconsinites Find Free, Emergency Internet Access

The Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction announced the launch Tuesday of a new website designed to help Wisconsin residents find free public internet in their area.

These “emergency” internet connections are intended to be used when someone’s own internet is either unavailable or too slow, according to a release from PSC.

Many of the connections are in buildings that are closed to the public due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Users should stay in their vehicles while accessing the Wi-Fi and only use it long enough to access critical services,” the release said.

1:49 PM: DHS Reports 3,555 COVID-19 Cases, 170 Deaths In Wisconsin

DHS reported 127 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Wisconsin Tuesday afternoon, taking the statewide total to 3,555. The disease has caused 170 deaths.

With more than 188 confirmed cases per 100,000 residents, Milwaukee County has the highest rate of infection and the most cases in the state.

Washburn County reported its first confirmed case Tuesday, while Kewaunee County reported its first COVID-19 death.

More than 1,000 people across the state have been hospitalized for the disease.

Nearly 38,000 Wisconsinites have tested negative for the virus.

12:55 PM: Natural Resources Foundation Of Wisconsin Adjusts Birdathon In Light Of COVID-19

The Great Wisconsin Birdathon is the largest bird conservation fundraiser in the state, according to the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin. The organization has decided to extend this year’s event due to the new coronavirus.

“With so many events canceled and now even some state parks being closed, birding is one of the few pastimes we can all still enjoy while practicing social distancing, and it’s accessible to everyone,” said Sarah Cameron, coordinator of the Great Wisconsin Birdathon.

Instead of taking place on one day, the Birdathon will be extended from April 15 to October 15. The money raised will support bird conservation projects across the state.

12:45 PM: City Of Madison Shares Efforts To Protect Unhoused During Coronavirus Pandemic

In a Tuesday news release, the city of Madison and Dane County shared the four steps they’ve taken to protect unhoused persons from COVID-19.

• To provide more space for single women, families have been removed from the Salvation Army’s shelter for women and families.
• About 165 high-risk adults, including those who are pregnant or elderly, have been moved into area hotels.
• Separate accommodations have been provided for individuals who are exhibiting symptoms that could be related to the new coronavirus.
• A new shelter for men has been opened to prevent overcrowding at existing sites.

11:36 AM: Evers Says Stories Of COVID-19 Deaths Show Need To Continue Social Distancing

As federal officials start to plan for a return to normal conditions, Gov. Tony Evers said Wisconsin residents need to continue social distancing measures.

In an interview with WPR, Evers said his administration is “considering all options” when it comes to whether to continue the state’s “safer-at-home” order set to expire April 24.

But he said the state is likely to see a surge in COVID-19 cases if social distancing practices don’t continue. He said health officials also need to continue increasing testing capacity and tracking potential spread.

“If we don’t have those pieces in place, and we don’t continue to do the work we’re doing now, we will go in reverse, and we just can’t have that,” Evers said.

Evers said he has spoken with several families who have lost loved ones to COVID-19.

“In many cases it happened quickly and painfully and it absolutely sounded like a very difficult way to pass on,” Evers said. “So there is good reason for us to continue doing what we’re doing so that we can minimize the grief and the struggle that this virus has put people through.”

11:30 AM: FAA Gives Wisconsin Airports $83M In Coronavirus Relief

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced Tuesday it will award 87 Wisconsin airports a total of more than $83 million in coronavirus relief funding.

The funding comes from the CARES Act, the federal coronavirus stimulus bill signed into law last month.

In total, the federal government will provide more than $10 billion in emergency funding for the nation’s airports, according to a news release from the FAA. It is intended to keep airports running despite revenue lost due to the new coronavirus.

10:07 AM: Xcel Energy To Donate $1.5 Million For COVID-19 Relief

Xcel Energy, a Minnesota-based utility company that serves customers in western Wisconsin, will donate $1.5 million to coronavirus relief across eight states, according to a news release from the company.

“At Xcel Energy we’re doing our part to support our customers and communities during this very challenging time” CEO Ben Fowke said in the release.

The company also matched employee donations to raise an additional $335,000 for coronavirus relief.

9:39 AM: Sam’s Club To Offer Special Hours For Health Care Workers To Shop Without Membership

National warehouse chain Sam’s Club announced on Twitter Tuesday it will allow health care workers and first responders to shop at its stores on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. without memberships.

The company is calling the special shopping period “Hero Hours.”

Wisconsin has three Sam’s Club locations.

9 AM: Kewaunee County Reports First COVID-19 Death

A Kewaunee County resident died Monday from complications of COVID-19, local health officials reported Tuesday. It’s the first coronavirus-related death in the county.

A person who was in close contact with the individual is in self-quarantine for 14 days.

Kewaunee County has five confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Tuesday morning. An additional 28 tests are pending, according to health officials.

MONDAY: DHS Reports 3,428 Cases Of COVID-19, 154 Deaths Linked To Ailment

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Wisconsin climbed to 3,428 Monday — a jump of 87 cases from the day before — and deaths have reached 154 as of Monday afternoon, according to the state Department of Health Services.

Officials in Door County reported one additional death Monday, bringing the statewide death toll to 155.

DHS officials reported the number of hospitalizations because of the ailment is 993, or 29 percent of cases. Data shows 19 percent of cases are unknown.

The number of negative test results are 36,769.

MONDAY: GOP State Lawmakers Release Bill Responding To COVID-19 Pandemic

A one-week waiting period for unemployment benefits in Wisconsin would be lifted under an extensive GOP plan released Monday that aims to address problems created by the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

State Assembly and Senate lawmakers are scheduled to meet in their first-ever virtual sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday to take up the bill.

In a prepared statement Monday morning, Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, said the sweeping, 87-page bill took into account previous proposals from Democratic Gov. Tony Evers as well as the $2 trillion federal economic stimulus bill approved a few weeks ago.

MONDAY: Door County Announces First COVID-19 Death

A man in his 70s, who had multiple underlying conditions and was hospitalized for COVID-19, has died, marking Door County’s first death related to the disease, the county announced Monday.

The county did not release any other information about the man, citing privacy laws.

“We must all stay home, maintain distance from others, end unnecessary shopping trips and avoid gatherings,” the county said in a statement. “The actions we take now can significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19.”

MONDAY: Gov. Tony Evers Signs Letter Asking Trump Administration To Open Up Federal Insurance Exchange

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Gov. Tony Evers and 11 other governors are asking the Trump administration to open a special enrollment period on the federal insurance exchange — an exception already made for people who go through certain life events, such as losing health insurance or surviving natural disasters.

Under the Affordable Care Act, people can sign up for health insurance during a yearly open enrollment period, which has already ended for 2020.

In their letter, the governors said the administration needs to open up the exchange because too many people remain uninsured, and that poses a public health risk.

“Far too many of our residents are choosing to forgo coronavirus testing and treatment out of fear of the potential costs to themselves and their families at a time of increasing economic distress,” the letter states. “Not only is this unacceptable, it’s also dangerous as it undermines our ability as a nation to stop the spread of COVID19.”

The governors of two Wisconsin neighbors, Illinois and Michigan, signed onto the letter, as well as the governors of Delaware, Maine, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

The Trump administration has previously rejected opening a special enrollment period due to COVID-19, according to several reports.

Resources For Food, Housing Help And More In Wisconsin

Are you in need of food? Do you need someone to pick up groceries? Are you looking for ways to help during the COVID-19 pandemic? WPR is keeping an updated list of resources across Wisconsin. If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, you can search for services online at 211 Wisconsin, dial 211 on your phone, or text your ZIP code to 898211.