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Friends and Neighbors,
I hope this update finds you happy and healthy after a weekend of sunny weather. This coming week we look forward to the Fourth of July.
On a more somber note, I was deeply disappointed by the actions of a few near the State Capitol this past week. I strongly believe in demonstrating and taking action against injustice and inequality, particularly when it is over legitimate and serious grievances in our country that have been ignored for far too long. However, the way forward must be through constructive non-violent efforts, not destructive actions. A statement from my office on these events is available HERE.
In Covid-19 news, it was recently reported that Florida and Texas, states that decided to re-open fully the earliest, are now re-closing bars and other public spaces. This should serve as a warning to other states about the consequences of not taking the virus seriously. If we want to see our state re-open fully and remain open, we must be willing to continue to make sacrifices for each other. Please continue to practice social distancing, wearing masks, and washing your hands as often as you can. We are in this fight together.
I wish you all a happy and safe summer. I will continue to keep you updated on COVID-19 developments in our state and community via my legislative website and Facebook page. I always welcome your feedback and opinions, so please feel free to contact me at (608) 266-0455 or Rep.Ohnstad@legis.wi.gov.
Sincerely,
Wisconsin COVID-19 summary
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Status
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Number (%) of People as of 6/28/2020
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Negative Test Results
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521,747
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Positive Test Results
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27,743
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Hospitalizations
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3,393 (12%)
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Deaths
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777
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- Of the 27,743 positive test results, 1,478 of them have come in Kenosha County, and 43 individuals have died.
- For the most up-to-date data on testing, please visit the Department of Health Services website HERE.
Kenosha County continues to count new cases every day. Kenosha County Health Director Freiheit expects that to steadily continue. While we are not currently feeling the spikes happening in some parts of the state and country, we are seeing consistent new cases, meaning community spread is still occurring. Director Freiheit notes that local cases are spread through gatherings both large and small, spanning birthday parties, sleepovers, barbecues, baby showers, and other get-togethers. Spread is further attributed to high levels of people who are asymptomatic themselves, but are infecting others through close interaction. Find the most current information on COVID-19 on the DHS website HERE.
The National Guard was in Kenosha last week to conduct free testing will be just across the boarder this coming week at Burlington High School (400 McCanna Pkwy) on Tuesday (June 30) and Wednesday (July 1) from 9am-6pm.
If you have symptoms or have concerns you may have been exposed – get tested.
Contact your doctor or find more about available community testing sites from DHS HERE.
Beware of Scams
While contact tracing is critical to our ability to contain the spread, unfortunately DOJ and DHS are warning that bad actors posing as contact tracers may also want to take advantage of the current crisis. We need individuals to share information about their contacts with others if contacted by a contact tracer, but a legitimate contact tracer would never ask for banking information or a social security number. Learn what to expect and how to protect yourself here: dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/seoc.htm
Elections Commission Approves Mailing Absentee Ballot Applications
The state will mail out 2.7 million voters absentee ballot applications under a plan given final unanimous approval Wednesday by the bipartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission. Their decision means letters will be sent by Sept. 1 to nearly all registered voters in Wisconsin who have not already asked for absentee ballots, except those flagged by a multi-state government database as having potentially moved.
Ensuring citizens are able to exercise their right to vote, particularly during a pandemic, should not be a partisan issue. I see it as our role and responsibility as elected officials to make it easier for folks to vote and to encourage as many people as possible to vote.
Summer Safety
As we look toward July 4th weekend, summer is in full swing. Wisconsin Emergency Management has shared guidelines for individuals handling fireworks HERE.
Beyond general guidelines for preventing COVID-19 spread, the Department of Health Services has also shared some summer specific to other summer activities. Best practices for beachgoers is HERE. All additional summer activity related guidance is available HERE under “Questions for Summer” tab.
State campgrounds have also reopened with certain restrictions. You can read more about these changes on the DNR website HERE.
Rental Assistance Program
Racine Kenosha Community Action Agency is accepting applications for the Governor’s Rental Assistance Program, which provides grants of up to $3,000 to help pay for rent and security deposits. Payments will be made directly to landlords. Eligible applicants must have a household income at or below 80% of the county median income in the month of or prior to the application date, and must provide documentation showing that they’ve had significant loss of income due to COVID-19. Contact Racine Kenosha Community Action Agency at (262) 657-0840 or https://www.rkcaa.org/kenosha. You can learn more about the Rental Assistance Program on the Department of Administration (DOA) website HERE.
Kenosha County ADRC Offering Grocery Delivery for Seniors
Need help getting groceries while staying safer at home? The Kenosha County Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) can help bridge the gap for those who want to limit trips to public spaces or need help with online grocery shopping. Free assistance is now being offered through a partnership between the ADRC, certain grocery stores and KAC. Staff will place your grocery order with you over the phone and schedule a free delivery through Care-A-Van at your convenience. Payment is accepted by check or card. Go HERE to learn more.
Kenosha County Kickstart and Re-opening Guidance
Kenosha County has developed a local plan to continue to slow the spread of COVID-19 while bringing back our economy. More information about the Kenosha Kickstart is available HERE.
Additional statewide safe reopening guidelines from WEDC are available HERE.
The Department of Workforce Development has also updated work safety guidance HERE.
The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings. Read more HERE.
Unemployment Assistance
We are aware connecting with a claims specialist via phone to discuss unemployment benefits can be difficult and frustrating as the department works to meet the unprecedented demand of the current pandemic. The best and fastest way to file and track a claim is online and not by telephone. However, we know portions of your application can require you to speak with a claims specialist. If you cannot get through and need assistance, contact my office.
National Disaster Distress Helpline
This toll-free, multilingual 24/7 phone line provides immediate crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters, including COVID-19. Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common during times like this. To speak with a counselor, call:
- 1-800-985-5990
- 1-800-846-8517 (TTY)
Or Text: TalkWithUs to 66746
Local Resources
Kenosha County is currently operating an online hub for information about Covid-19, resources available for local residents, and tips for staying healthy during this crisis. Please visit their website HERE for all of the most up-to-date and local information.
All Available State and Federal Benefits
To learn more about all benefits and assistance available at this time at the state or national level, go to Benefits.gov and Access.Wisconsin.gov. There you can answer a brief survey that can direct you to programs that may be able to help meet your individual needs.
Resource Links
The links below are constantly being updated with new information and resources. Please continue to visit them when you have questions or concerns. The link at the bottom for Kenosha County is an extremely useful tool for folks in our area and I encourage you to visit it frequently.
If you have any questions regarding any information in this newsletter, or would like to speak with me or my staff, please feel free to contact me by phone at (608) 266-0455 or Rep.Ohnstad@legis.wi.gov
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