Author: Staff

Not a Lockdown: Milwaukee implements “Stay at Home” directive in order to save lives

Mayor Tom Barrett and Dr. Jeanette Kowalik, Commissioner of Health, held a video press conference on March 23 to announce a “Stay at Home” order from the city, just as Governor Tony Evers was preparing to release a similar order statewide to address the pandemic. The city’s initiative came about after the north side of Milwaukee experienced three deaths from the COVID-19 in recent days. Mayor Barrett did not want residents to panic, but felt is was vital in the interest of public health to slow the spread of the coronavirus. “I’m very pleased that the Governor is acting....

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Safer At Home: Wisconsin orders statewide closure of non-essential businesses to contain COVID-19

Governor Tony Evers said on Monday, March 23 that he will order the closure of all non-essential businesses starting Tuesday, March 24. He went on to urge state residents to stay at home to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus that has killed five people in the Wisconsin and infected more than 400. The order from Evers, which he is calling “safer at home,” follows his orders to close the state’s K-12 schools and various businesses, including bars, restaurants and hair salons. He also limited gatherings to no more than 10 people. The Governor said that many unanswered...

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Postponement of PrideFest and Summerfest due to COVID-19 underlines disruption of 2020 festival season

The parent organization of PrideFest, Wisconsin’s largest LGBTQ+ event, announced on March 18 that it was officially postponing the annual 4-day event. The news was followed a few days later by a similar statement from Summerfest. The festival was set to take place at the Henry W. Maier Festival Grounds from Thursday, June 4 to Sunday, June 7. Milwaukee Pride, Inc. made the decision after a wave of large event cancelations and postponements due to the developing COVID-19 situation. This is the first time PrideFest has been postponed in its history. “Pridefest is, and has been a safe space...

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One of Wisconsin’s first two COVID-19 Deaths confirmed in Ozaukee County

Together with state health officials at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), Governor Tony Evers confirmed two deaths in Wisconsin due to COVID-19 on March 19. The first death was a male in his 50s from Fond Du Lac County. The second death was a male in his 90s from Ozaukee County. “Our hearts go out to all the loved ones affected by these deaths, and to all those suffering from this virus,” said Governor Evers. “We are committed to fighting the spread of COVID-19 in Wisconsin and I want to recognize the hard work and bravery of...

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Wisconsin residents reminded to take precautions against COVID-19 scams and price gouging

Attorney General Josh Kaul urged Wisconsin residents on March 16 to be on the lookout for potential scams or instances of price gouging stemming from the outbreak of COVID-19. Wisconsin’s laws prohibiting price gouging are now in effect after Governor Evers issued Executive Order #72 on March 12. These laws generally prohibit any wholesaler or retailer from selling consumer goods or services at prices that are more than 15% higher than pre-emergency prices. “As we take extraordinary steps to respond to the coronavirus, Wisconsinites should be cautious of those who may be trying to take advantage of this public...

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MCTS encourages riders to limit non-essential bus travel to help prevent spread of COVID-19

Due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), and out of an abundance of caution for Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) employees and the general public, MCTS made the request hat riders limit non-essential bus travel until further notice. MCTS is working with federal, state, and local governments to help limit the spread of the virus. Passengers who must travel out of necessity are encouraged, whenever possible, to pay their fare with the MCTS M-Card – a contactless smartcard – or use the electronic tickets offered via the Ride MCTS App. Both options allow riders to avoid cash and pay...

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