COVID-19 UPDATES FOR COUNTY OFFICIALS

As issues continue to develop and change at a quick rate with COVID-19, the Coronavirus, we at the Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA) are working alongside Governor Tony Evers, the Administration, the National Association of Counties (NACo) and our general counsel, Attolles Law, s.c., to provide the latest resources and updates to assist county officials during this unprecedented time.

COVID-19 Daily Update: 5.5.2020

May 5, 2020

COVID-19 DAILY HEALTH UPDATE
(Information from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) current as of 1:00 p.m. Central, Tuesday, May 5, 2020)

  • Total people with negative results: 83,967 (+3,500)
  • Total people with positive results: 8,556 (+330)
  • Hospitalizations: 1,663 (+42) or 19%
  • Total deaths: 353 (+13)
ICYMI: FEMA’S PUBLIC ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM FOR COVID-19 RESPONSE
Today, the Wisconsin Counties Association hosted a Zoom webinar on FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program for COVID-19 Response with WCA General Counsel von Briesen & Roper’s Matthew McGovern, Andrew Phillips and Steven Nelson presenting on the topic.

DHS ANNOUNCES HOSPITAL METRICS FOR BADGER BOUNCE BACK
Today the Department of Health Services, along with the State Emergency Operations Center, launched hospital gating criteria as part of the Badger Bounce Back Plan. The criteria, developed with input from the Wisconsin Hospital Association and the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative, sets hospital metrics to be able to move into Phase 1 of the Badger Bounce Back Plan.

WAUKESHA COUNTY KICKS OFF PLAN TO INCREASE COVID-19 TESTING WITH THREE-DAY DRIVE-THRU TEST SITE
Waukesha County Public Health and the Waukesha County Office of Emergency Management are partnering with the Wisconsin National Guard to open a three-day surge community testing site in order to meet the goals outlined in the Badger Bounce Back plan.

Testing Registration Hotline Dates and HoursWisconsin residents or individuals who work in the state and are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 can call 262-548-7626 to register to be tested.
The registration hotline was open on Tuesday, May 5 from 1 pm – 6 pm, and will be open from Wednesday, May 6 through Monday, May 11 from 8 am – 6 pm each day.

Community Testing Site Dates and HoursThe community testing site will conduct drive thru tests on registered individuals on Saturday, May 9, Monday, May 11 and Tuesday, May 12from 9 am – 5 pm daily. Anyone who wants to be tested must register in advance. Unregistered individuals will be turned away without being tested.

“Many people with COVID-19 symptoms have been unable to get tested for a variety of reasons,” said Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow. “The goal of this clinic is to provide access to testing to anyone in the community with symptoms. We believe that once we identify all active COVID-19 cases in Waukesha County, the additional efforts we have taken to boost our health care infrastructure in recent weeks will allow us to effectively manage and mitigate new cases.”

FEMA DAILY BRIEFING POINTS FOR COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Below please find today’s FEMA Daily Briefing Points for the Whole-of-America response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. These briefing points include Topline Messages, as well as Supply Chain Task Force; By the Numbers; FEMA and Department of Health and Human Services Response; and Guidance from Federal Agencies.

NACO’S COUNTY NEWS NOW MAY 5 EDITIONNACO’S County News Now for May 5, 2020 features a look at the next Coronavirus relief package with essential aid for local governments.