Live: What To Know March 12 About COVID-19 In Wisconsin

One day after the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus a pandemic, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers declared a public health emergency in the state.

As of Thursday, the number of cases of COVID-19 — the disease caused by the new coronavirus — in the state jumped to eight. Wisconsin’s cases have been limited to Dane, Fond du Lac, Pierce and Waukesha counties.

As the effects of the virus continue to evolve, 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-19 resources, read WisContext’s story listing 10 things to know about the pandemic and public health in the state.

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

5 PM: Wisconsin Elections Commission Approves Polling Place Flexibility

The Wisconsin Elections Commission voted Thursday to give local election officials more flexibility to relocate polling places in response to COVID-19.

The guidance is effective for the state’s upcoming presidential primary election on April 7 and the 7th Congressional District special election on May 12.

Flexibility will allow local election officials to relocate polling places from nursing homes “and other facilities as designated by (the state Department of Health Services) or local health officials” without getting approval from local government or elections commission, as is required under state law.

3:20 PM: NCAA Cancels Tournaments For Winter, Spring Sports

The University of Wisconsin-Madison was set to host a first-round playoff game for women’s hockey Saturday. The Badgers, who are reigning national champions, won’t get a chance to defend their crown after the NCAA announced it has canceled all championships for the remainder of the academic year, including its men’s and women’s basketball tournaments.

The Big Ten also said Thursday afternoon it is canceling all remaining conference and non-conference athletic competitions, including spring sports that finish after the end of the school year. It’s also put a moratorium on all recruiting efforts.

3:05 PM: Two Additional COVID-19 Cases Confirmed In Dane County

Wisconsin Department of Health Services officials announced Thursday afternoon that two more people in Dane County tested positive for COVID-19. They had been in contact with a person there who tested positive earlier this week. They are being treated at home, health officials said.

“This brings the total of confirmed cases to seven in just one week. As we see more cases, we remain vigilant in our efforts to prevent the spread of infection to others in the community,” said State Health Officer Jeanne Ayers in a statement. “These cases should serve to remind all of us about the importance of social distancing and maintaining good hygiene to prevent the spread of the disease.”

1:35 PM: Milwaukee St. Patrick’s Day Parade Canceled

The Milwaukee St. Patrick’s Day Parade will not go forward this Saturday.

A statement from one of the organizing groups indicated the city, the Westown Association and the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin made the decision together Thursday following the governor’s declaration of a public health emergency.

“The safety and health of our patrons and participants is always our priority,” said Stacie Callies, executive director of Westown Association. “This was a difficult decision, but all parties want to ensure we are doing our part to help prevent the spread of the disease. This decision was made out of abundant concern for the 30,000 people that come to downtown Milwaukee each year to celebrate with us.”

1 PM: Growing List Of Public, Private Universities Move Classes Online

A growing number of private colleges and universities in Wisconsin are canceling in-person classes and moving to online teaching as preventative steps to keep the new coronavirus from spreading in the state.

The move comes the day after several University of Wisconsin System schools made changes to how they operate to slow the spread of COVID-19.

12:25 PM: Major League Baseball Suspends Spring Training, Delays Opening Day

Major League Baseball announced Thursday it would suspend spring training and delay opening day by at least two weeks. The Milwaukee Brewers were scheduled to open the regular season at Miller Park on March 26 against the Chicago Cubs.

“The health and safety of our fans, players, employees and game day staff is our top priority,” the Brewers said in a statement. “We fully support the measures taken today by Major League Baseball. We will have more information at a future date for our fans who have tickets to spring training or regular season games.”

11:30 AM: Governor Declares Public Health Emergency

Evers declared a public health emergency after five new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Wisconsin this week in Dane, Fond du Lac, Pierce and Waukesha counties.

“The risk to the majority of Wisconsinites remains low. That said, we can all do our part to help prevent the spread of the illness to others,” said Evers, who made the announcement at the State Emergency Operations Center while flanked by public health and military officials. “I encourage Wisconsin residents to be prepared,” he stressed.

The order frees up state money to go to local health departments, gives the state Department of Health Services more abilities to buy, store and distribute medications and allows for the use of the Wisconsin National Guard, according to the governor’s office.

DHS Secretary Andrea Palm recommended canceling any events of more than 250 people to help contain the spread of the virus along with suggested travel restrictions.

11 AM: Big Ten Tournament Canceled

The Big Ten conference canceled its men’s basketball tournament about 20 minutes before the first game was scheduled to begin.

Commissioner Keven Warren said he didn’t want to have any regrets.

“I don’t want to be in a position, looking back saying only if we would have done — canceled this tournament,” he told reporters.

Wisconsin was slated to play Rutgers on Friday morning.

10:22 AM: State Capitol Tours Canceled

The state Department of Administration announced Thursday that all tours of the Wisconsin State Capitol will be canceled until further notice.

In a press release, DOA said operations within the State Capitol will remain normal, but tours were suspended to ensure the safety of both the public and staff.

9:25 AM: Trump Campaign Cancels Milwaukee Rally

President Donald Trump’s campaign has canceled an event in Wisconsin next week because of the novel coronavirus.

The “Catholics for Trump” event was scheduled March 19 in Milwaukee. Reelection campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh tweeted the cancellation was made “out of an abundance of caution because of the coronavirus outbreak.”

Murtaugh said the event will be rescheduled.

Editor’s note: This story will be updated.