Frederica Freyberg:

Governor Tony Evers declared a public health emergency a day ago and today President Donald Trump declared a federal state of emergency, freeing $50 billion for state and local funding. Also today, new coronavirus cases hit double digits in Wisconsin, spreading to Milwaukee, Racine and Sheboygan Counties. To stay up-to-date on latest number of cases tonight and through the weekend, visit our partner webpage at WisContext.org. The state is moving aggressively to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 with its declaration of a public health emergency. And this afternoon, the announcement that all K-12 schools public and private will close effective Wednesday. The state is also helping 37 residents returning to Wisconsin from the Princess cruise ship who may have been exposed and will self-quarantine for 14 days. National Guard soldiers driving those people home once they land in the state. Tonight Zac Schultz reports on the fast-moving developments.

Tony Evers:

All steps are being taken to stop the spread of this virus.

Zac Schultz:

The COVID-19 virus has already been labeled a global pandemic and now Governor Tony Evers says it’s a public health emergency in the state of Wisconsin.

Tony Evers:

This declaration allows us to access state resources to deal with this pandemic head-on, care for those who need help and also limit the spread of the virus.

Zac Schultz:

Some school districts around Wisconsin are closing or adjusting their calendars. But Governor Evers says he’s not ready to ask all public schools to close because he thinks they can minimize risk to students while still providing essential services to the public, even beyond education.

Tony Evers:

One is food security. We have tens of thousands of folks in Wisconsin, including kids and older adults, who rely on schools and nonprofits in order to get their meals. Ensuring that those folks are taken care of is a top priority.

Zac Schultz:

Andrea Palm, the Department of Health Services secretary, is asking people to avoid large groups and to stay home if they have symptoms.

Andrea Palm:

We understand that these significant steps are going to disrupt people’s lives, but are making these recommendations to protect the lives of the most vulnerable members of our families, our communities and our state.

Rebecca Blank:

It has become clear that now is the time for the university to take broader action.

Zac Schultz:

A number of University of Wisconsin schools are moving to online classes through April. And UW-Madison is asking students to move out of the dorms.

Rebecca Blank:

We are also directing undergraduates who live in our residence halls to return to their permanent homes if at all possible.

Zac Schultz:

Dane County Executive Joe Parisi says right now they’re asking people to voluntarily avoid large groups, but that could shift from voluntary to mandatory.

Joe Parisi:

I’d also like to note that the director of public health has the power to enact statutory authority to prevent disease spread in the community. Should the spread of COVID-19 escalate, the director of public health has the option to use this authority to order suspension of public events in the area.

Zac Schultz:

A number of large crowd events have already been cancelled, including high school and college sporting events, tours of the capitol and even campaign events.

Tony Evers:

As you know, most politicians spend all their time hugging and shaking hands and those days are gone, at least for the immediate future.

Zac Schultz:

Reporting from Madison, I’m Zac Schultz for “Here & Now.”