COVID-19 Testing Results Indicate a Downward Spiral

Wisconsin received outstanding news with this past weekend's newly confirmed cases of COVID-19, continuing a downward trend. In fact, the percent of positive cases on Sunday was the lowest on record at only 2.3 percent. Below are test results from the weekend:

• Friday, June 5: 2.9 percent positive rate, with 357 positive cases reported on 12,322 tests.
• Saturday, June 6: 2.7 percent positive test rate, with 322 positive cases reported out of 11,792 tests. 
• Sunday, June 7: 2.3 percent positive rate, with 264 positive cases reported out of 11,329 tests.

It is imperative to denote that since testing commenced, in March, more than 300,000 Wisconsinites tested negative for COVID-19. As more individuals get tested, that number continues to increase. 

Wisconsin hospitals remain strong with abundant capacity to handle an increase in the number of positive cases. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services reports that there are 322 patients in the hospital due to the virus, with 110 in intensive care. Additionally, hospitals are reporting that more than a quarter of beds are immediately available. Just 319 of the state's 1,269 ventilators are currently in use. 

For daily updates regarding Wisconsin COVID-19 cases, please visit the DHS website.  

COVID-19 testing locations

Recently, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services developed an interactive map depicting statewide COVID-19 testing locations. The map is updated regularly and an excellent resource for those interested in getting tested. You can view the list of statewide testing locations, here. 

Additionally, if you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, online screenings, and consultations with licensed medical professionals, are available. To utilize this option, please click the following link. 

Unemployment Insurance Filing Assistance

As stated in our last e-update, my office has received numerous requests for assistance with filing unemployment insurance claims. If you have filed for unemployment and have yet to hear from DWD or receive payment, my office is happy to help expedite the process. To make it easier for you and DWD, my office has developed a form containing all of the relevant information DWD needs to process your claim in a timely fashion. 

Additionally, several constituents have applied for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and still have yet to receive payment. According to DWD, the average wait time for PUA benefits to be paid is approximately 30 days from the time of applying. For more information regarding PUA or to apply, please click the following link.

If you need assistance with your unemployment insurance or PUA claims, please contact my office. 

Final E-update

Wisconsin state law prohibits legislators who are running for reelection to distribute mass communications after April 15th in even-numbered years. That said, however, 2019 Wisconsin Act 185 exempts communications related to the COVID-19 pandemic through June 10th. As such, this will be my final e-update until after the November election. 

Please know that my staff and I will continue responding to questions or concerns related to state government. We are also available to assist with unemployment insurance claims and other casework issues. You can contact my office at: (608) 267-2369, by email: Rep.Rob.Brooks@legis.wisconsin.gov, or via Facebook. 

Stay up to date

One of the best ways to date with what is happening in Madison is to sign up for the legislature's notification tracking system. This service affords you with the opportunity to track legislative activities in Madison. Upon creation of a free account, you can sign up to receive notification about specific bills of committees as well as legislative activity pertaining to a subject (i.e., health care, education, etc.).