Gov. Evers directs DHS to mandate statewide closure of all K-12 Wisconsin schools

 

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today directed Department of Health Services (DHS) Secretary-designee Andrea Palm to issue an agency order mandating the statewide closure of all K-12 schools, public and private, as part of the state’s efforts to respond to and contain the spread of COVID-19 in Wisconsin.

The mandated closure will begin on Wednesday, March 18, in to give school districts ample time to make plans for kids, families, educators, and staff. School districts, particularly those in counties with reported cases of COVID-19, may choose to close earlier than Wednesday. The anticipated reopening date is April 6, 2020; however, the reopening date is subject to change pending further information.

“Closing our schools is not a decision I made lightly, but keeping our kids, our educators, our families, and our communities safe is a top priority as we continue our work to respond to and prevent further spread of COVID-19 in Wisconsin,” said Gov. Evers.

Earlier today, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services reported 11 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the state’s total to 19 cases, including one individual who has recovered.

“Kids and families across Wisconsin often depend on our schools to access food and care,” Gov. Evers continued. “We are going to continue working to do everything we can to ensure kids and families have the resources and support they need while schools are closed.”

On Thursday, March 12, the governor signed an executive order that directs DHS to take all necessary and appropriate measures to prevent and respond to incidences of COVID-19. It allows the department to purchase, store, or distribute appropriate medications, regardless of insurance or other health coverage, as needed to respond to the emergency. It also authorizes state funds to support local health departments with costs related to isolation and quarantine, as well as the use of the Wisconsin National Guard.

Decisions about the implementation of other community measures will be made by state and local officials based on CDC and DHS guidance, as well as the scope of the outbreak.

People should follow simple steps to prevent illness and avoid exposure to this virus including:

• Frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water;

• Covering coughs and sneezes;

• Avoiding touching your face;

• Staying home when sick.

Recently DHS released new guidance for mass gatherings and travel, which can be found at the DHS website linked below.

This is a rapidly evolving situation, and the public is encouraged to frequently monitor the DHS website for updates (https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/index.htm), and to follow @DHSWI on Facebook and Twitter, or dhs.wi on Instagram. Additional information can be found on the CDC website.

Comments are closed.

  • Openings available in Monroe County Covid-19 vaccination clinics

    April 20th, 2021
    by

    The Monroe County Health Department has openings at the following Covid-19 vaccination clinics slated for this week:


    14,287 Monroe County residents have received first dose of vaccination

    April 19th, 2021
    by

    As of Friday, April 19, 14,287 Monroe County residents had received the first dose and 10,266 had completed the vaccination series, according to the Monroe County Health Department.


    Vernon County has nine new Covid-19 cases, two new deaths from April 9–15

    April 19th, 2021
    by

    Two Covid-19 deaths were reported between April 9–15 in Vernon County, resulting in a total of 45 since the start of the pandemic.


    9,302 Monroe County residents now fully vaccinated for Covid-19

    April 9th, 2021
    by

    As of Friday, April 9, 13,302 Monroe County residents had received the first dose of the 13,302 and 9,302 had completed the vaccination series, according to the Monroe County Health Department.


    Vernon County has six new Covid-19 cases from April 2–8

    April 9th, 2021
    by

    Vernon County reported six new cases from April 2–8, all of whom are recovering at home.


  • Monroe County vaccination clinic set for April 14

    April 9th, 2021
    by

    Monroe County Health Department has openings for its Covid-19 vaccination clinic set for 1–5 p.m. Wednesday, April 14, in Tomah.·


    Covid-19 vaccines will be offered in Elroy starting April 15

    April 9th, 2021
    by

    Starting April 15, Covid-19 vaccines will be available in Elroy on Thursday afternoons.


    Covid-19 UK variant detected in Monroe County

    April 6th, 2021
    by

    The B.1.1.7 variant of the Covid-19 virus, first discovered in the United Kingdom in November 2020, has been detected in Monroe County, according to the Monroe County Health Department.


    Tuesday, March 16: Monroe County reports two new cases; Vernon County, one; and Juneau County, four

    March 16th, 2021
    by

    Monroe County had two new Covid-19 cases today, bringing the tally to 4,311 since the start of the pandemic


    Vernon County testing dates will extend into May

    March 16th, 2021
    by

    The National Guard will continue to host free Covid-19 testing sites in Vernon County through May 18.


    Free Covid-19 testing returns to Juneau County

    March 16th, 2021
    by

    Free drive-through community Covid-19 testing has returned to the Mauston Public Works building and will run through May.


  • Archives