The state Department of Health Services announced Saturday 281 positive cases of COVID-19 statewide, as well as 4,628 negative tests. However, the number continues to grow as counties announce positive cases.
As of Saturday morning, four people had died from the new coronavirus in Wisconsin.
In the last several days stores have shut their doors, communities have come together to support one another, and the Evers administration has taken several steps to attempt to stop the spread of the new coronavirus.
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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 Coronavirus In Wisconsin section.
Here are the latest updates on the new coronavirus in Wisconsin:
2:32 PM: State Extend Tax Filing Deadline To July
State officials announced on Saturday that they were extending the deadline for residents to file income tax payment and return due dates to July 15.
The state Department of Revenue issued a press release Saturday that noted state law will automatically “extend time and waive interest and penalties for taxpayers due to a presidentially declared disaster.”
“This is just one more thing we can do for Wisconsinites during this challenging time. Our main goal is to assist our citizens in any way that we can.,” Gov. Tony Evers said in the statement.
Tax filers don’t have to file an extension form to be eligible for this new due date.
“This is a time of great uncertainty for everyone. People are concerned and worried, and one thing they should not have to worry about right now is an April 15 tax deadline,” Department of Revenue Secretary Peter Barca said in the statement.
Barca said that roughly half of all taxpayers in Wisconsin have already filed their tax returns “and most have received refunds, on average over $700.”
1:58 PM: DHS: 4 Deaths, 281 Confirmed COVID-19 Cases In Wisconsin
Four deaths and 281 cases of COVID-19 in Wisconsin were confirmed Saturday by state health officials.
The state Department of Health Services updated the outbreak section of the department’s website with the latest tallies related to the coronavirus pandemic that is spreading across the state. Officials reported that there were 4,628 negative test results.
1:20 PM: Virus Leads Wisconsin State Prisons To Suspend Admissions
The Wisconsin Department of Corrections says it’s no longer accepting admissions to its state prisons and juvenile facilities in an effort to slow down spread of the coronavirus.
Corrections officials said they will allow some essential transfers and work with the counties on any potential tweaks to the order.
8:30 AM: Northwest Wisconsin Fund Aids Nonprofits Responding to COVID-19
The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation and the head of the Lakes United Way have partnered to create a northwest Wisconsin response fund for nonprofits in Ashland, Bayfield and Douglas counties aiding in the response to COVID-19.
In a press release sent Saturday morning, Holly Sampson, Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation’s president and CEO said area “nonprofits will see increased demand for services. They are working to maintain operations at a time of health concerns for their own staffs. And they will likely struggle to raise funds because public events and activities have been canceled.”
Donors can give online and get more information about the fund on the Foundation’s website.
8:12 AM: Milwaukee County Has Second COVID-19 Death, Rising Total Deaths In State To 4
In a tweet Saturday morning, the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office announced they were investigating the death of a 69-year-old man who died from complications of the coronavirus infection.
That rises the number of deaths in the state from COVID-19 to four people.
In a later email, the medical examiner said the man had traveled to Milwaukee from out of state and sought medical attention on March 14 with shortness of breath. The patient was considered high risk due to his medical history.
The state Department of Health Services had reported 206 cases of COVID-19 as of Friday evening. More than 3,450 people have tested negative.
FRIDAY: Federal Judge Extends Wisconsin’s Online Registration Deadline
A federal judge has granted a request by Democrats to extend online voter registration in Wisconsin until March 30 in light of the public health crisis brought on by the new coronavirus.
U.S. District Court Judge William Conley issued his order Friday night, two days after online registration for the state’s April 7 election had otherwise ended under state law.
“The court cannot help but take judicial notice of the excruciating dilemma that will soon be faced by eligible voters who did not register by the March 18, 2020, deadline: either venture into public spaces, contrary to public directives and health guidelines or stay at home and lose the opportunity to vote,” Conley wrote.
Conley’s order, unless it is overturned on appeal, would only apply to online voter registration and would not change other state election laws.
FRIDAY: Vilas County Declares Public Health Emergency
Friday night, the Vilas County Board of Supervisors declared a public health emergency in response to COVID-19.
In the order, the Board recommends people stay at home. They also tell people who have seasonal homes in Vilas County to stay at their winter homes. If people return to the county, they are being asked to self-isolate for 14 days.
According to the release, Vilas County has one of the highest populations of older adults in Wisconsin — making its residents high-risk if they contract the virus.
For up-to-date information about COVID-19 in Vilas County, go to https://health.vilascountywi.gov/.
FRIDAY: DHS Reports 206 Positive Cases In Wisconsin
Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary Andrea Palm said Friday afternoon there were 206 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Wisconsin and 3,455 tests have come up negative. That was as of 1:40 p.m. Friday.
Palm released the figure during a media call to provide updates on the status of the disease’s spread in Wisconsin.
Palm said their hearts go out to the families and loved ones of the three individuals who have died so far in Wisconsin from the virus.
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