COVID-19, also known as Corona Virus, is a new disease caused by a virus strain that began spreading in China in December 2019. The vast majority of people who get the virus will experience mild symptoms, however it can cause severe illness and pneumonia in some individuals. The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, meaning the virus can be found on all inhabited continents. As no one has an immunity to the disease, the danger lies in its rapid spread. Our objective is to ensure the health care system is not overwhelmed by new cases. To prevent this, we must all do our part and engage in social distancing. This is an unprecedented situation that is affecting the entire world, but Americans have never shied away from taking on the toughest challenges. Together, we will beat this virus.
My office and I have been in regular contact with officials who are monitoring and implementing plans to fight the pandemic. It is my intention to pass this information along to you on a regular basis in an effort to keep you as informed as possible. Below you can find more information regarding Wisconsin's and the nation’s response to the virus. Resources are available to help those affected by the situation.
Governor Evers has prohibited public and private gatherings of 10 or more people statewide to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The following are exempted from the order: Transportation, educational institutions, child care, hotels, military, law enforcement, food pantries, hospitals, long-term care facilities, grocery stores, convenience stores, utility facilities, job centers, and courts. For more information on the Governor’s executive order, please click here.
All restaurants and bars have been ordered to close. Please consider supporting local businesses by ordering delivery/take out or purchasing a gift certificate to be used at a future date. For WI Department of Workforce Development information please click here.
Wisconsin's state agencies are developing guidance and resources for Wisconsinites to stay healthy and make informed choices for themselves and their families during this time. These agencies will continue to update their websites with the most up-to-date information on COVID-19. Please click here for aggregate information regarding the efforts of all state agencies.
Local Resources
Local county Health Departments are working closely with state agencies. I would encourage anyone who has questions or concerns regarding COVID-19 to contact your local county health department.
The Trump Administration has released new guidelines for all Americans, including a recommendation to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people. For the most up to date national and international information, please visit the following websites:
At the moment, there are no plans to delay Wisconsin’s April 7th Spring elections. March 18th at midnight is the last day to register online. If you would like to request an absentee ballot, please visit MyVoteWI.
Meeting with PSC Broadband Director
Last week, I had the opportunity to meet with the new Public Service Commission Broadband Director Jaron McCallum. We had a good discussion regarding Wisconsin’s efforts to expand broadband throughout rural areas of the state, especially in the Northwoods. I look forward to seeing more communities in Wisconsin receive access to reliable, high-speed internet.
Contact my office.
Office of Representative Rob Swearingen Room 123 West PO Box 8953, Madison WI 53708
