Author: Correspondent

Governor Tony Evers announced on April 20 that the state of Wisconsin was taking big steps to increase COVID-19 testing capacity throughout the state. Working with the Wisconsin Clinical Lab Network, the state has increased the number of labs performing COVID-19 tests from just eight labs one month ago to 36 labs. The state plans to continue public-private partnerships to add more labs and more testing capacity in the days and weeks ahead. However, in order to sustain the existing and expanded clinical lab network’s efforts, the state will need federal partnership to ensure availability of reagent and other...

“The days and weeks have been long, but I am immensely proud of the efforts made by health organizations throughout Milwaukee to respond to COVID-19. I joined with other Milwaukee health care leaders to write and sign the following letter to represent our shared commitment to working collaboratively to serve our community. No one knows exactly what the next few weeks will bring. Some of it will be challenging and tragic, including more families losing loved ones. And some of it will bring us pride, like the many companies that have already stepped forward to donate or make PPE,...

Milwaukee startup company Washbnb announced the launch of its wash-and-fold laundry service on April 7, tailored for the elderly and immunocompromised in the Milwaukee community. The startup plans to assist at-risk consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic with personalized and safe pick-up and delivery services. Founded in February 2020 by Daniel Cruz, Brian Mandelin, and Cat Simpson, Washbnb was originally designed to provide linen and laundry services for Airbnb hosts. The founders were moved by the devastating effects of the coronavirus and quickly pivoted their model to offer individual laundry services, supporting Milwaukee consumers, particularly those most at risk for...

Milwaukee County’s Community Justice Council leadership have been working together to develop comprehensive strategies for preventing the spread of COVID-19 throughout the local justice system and the broader community. On Thursday, March 12, 2020, justice system leaders assembled for the first of many discussions to outline a collective response to this public health emergency. Longstanding and collaborative relationships made the ambitious feat of creating a systemwide redesign achievable within only a few days of the initial meetings. Law enforcement and the justice system continue to prioritize and maintain an appropriate level of response to serious crime. To align with...

A new Marquette Law School poll of Wisconsin registered voters finds strong support for government actions to control the coronavirus pandemic, even as the poll also shows these actions to be having a substantial financial impact on voters. Eighty-six percent say that it was appropriate to close schools and businesses, and restrict public gatherings, while 10 percent say that this was an overreaction to the pandemic. Fifty-one percent strongly approve of legislation providing direct cash payments to individuals, and 28 percent somewhat approve, while 9 percent somewhat disapprove and 6 percent strongly disapprove. A large majority of voters approve...

The Milwaukee County Unified Emergency Operations Center today issued a request on March 25 for new, unused Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to assist first responders, health care providers and health care facilities responding to COVID-19. Needed supplies include: N95 masks, dust or surgical masks, safety glasses, protective gowns or suits, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes or sprays and disposable medical gloves. “We are calling on our community to donate supplies that will help ensure that we can protect our frontline workers and serve our most vulnerable residents,” said Dr. Ben Weston, Director of Medical Services for the Milwaukee County Office...