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Friends and Neighbors,
As we approach Memorial Day, I hope this update finds you healthy and well. Memorial Day is the holiday when we remember and appreciate the sacrifice of the brave men and women killed in service of the United States Armed Forces, as well as their families. The holiday will be different this year than in the past, as the nation continues to face and fight a global pandemic, but there are many heroes to be honored and celebrated.
Memorial Day also traditionally is a time for getting together with family and friends, and while the Safer at Home restrictions are no longer in place state-wide, all citizens are encouraged to keep practicing social distancing, wear protective masks when you leave your home, limit unnecessary travel and interaction, wash your hands frequently, and continue helping those around us to do the same.
Once again, I would like to offer my sincere appreciation to each one of my Kenosha neighbors who have helped their families and our shared community in any way during this time. I encourage you to continue to offer your assistance to those in need whenever you have the time and resources, support small businesses in our community, and stay focused on the objective. We all share in this battle, and each one of us will play a critical role moving forward to help us win.
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,
COVID-19 in Wisconsin
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Status
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Number (%) of People as of 5/22/2020
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Negative Test Results
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172,703
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Positive Test Results
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14,396
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Hospitalizations
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2,259 (16%)
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Deaths
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496
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- Of the 14,396 positive cases, 948 are located in Kenosha County, and 22 individuals have died.
For the most up-to-date data on testing, please visit the Department of Health Services website HERE.
This week the state saw the four highest single day increases in positive cases the state has experienced so far, despite what had once been viewed as a relative downward trajectory. Wednesday represented the largest increase with 528 cases, with the today serving as the second highest count with 511 cases. As we head into Memorial Day Weekend, I urge everyone to use caution and protect yourself and others. Kenosha and Racine counties in particular have seen substantial recent upticks in the amount of positive tests. Find the most current information on COVID-19 on the DHS website HERE.
We’re All In Initiative
As we work to kick start our economic recovery, this week Gov. Evers announced the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s We’re All In initiative, which will distribute $75 million in assistance for small businesses. Providing relief to regrow small businesses in Wisconsin that have been impacted by the pandemic is an important part of our response to and recovery from the pandemic. Funded largely by federal dollars received through the federal CARES Act, this initiative will provide direct assistance to small businesses most impacted by the duration and restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
These $2,500 cash grants Wisconsin small businesses will assist with the costs of business interruption or for health and safety improvements, wages and salaries, rent, mortgages, and inventory. Businesses will be able to apply for grant assistance in early June.
More info is HERE.
Wisconsin Rent Assistance Program
Many Wisconsin families had struggled to make ends meet even before the COVID-19 pandemic. Now the situation is even more serious. In response, Gov. Evers announced the Wisconsin Rental Assistance Program (W.R.A.P.) for Wisconsinites who have faced economic insecurity as a result of the pandemic. Qualifying individuals will be able to apply for up to $3,000 for rent payments or a security deposit.
More details, including when applications will be accepted will be announced in the coming days. Find out more HERE.
Expanding Testing and Tracing
This week Gov. Evers announced a $1 billion investment to support Covid-19 testing, contact tracing, operations, and resources for local communities. Testing and information will be the critical tools to combat the virus. This support builds on the efforts through the Wisconsin National Guard to expand community testing.
More info here: https://lnks.gd/2/HRDdM6.
Currently symptomatic individuals or those who have come into contact with an infected person can get a test by contacting their doctor.
Pick ‘n Save, Kroger Health and Kenosha County are partnering to offer free drive-through Covid-19 testing of symptomatic individuals at the Pick ‘n Save Kenosha South location (5710 75th St, South Side Parking Lot) from May 19-23 and May 26-29 (10am to 4pm).
Individuals can register for a test here: http://krogerhealth.com/covidtesting
More information about testing is available through a special DHS website HERE.
Food Security Initiative
To help ensure those in need have access to the food they need, this week the governor committed $15 million to the Food Security Initiative, with funding going toward helping food banks, pantries, and other nonprofit organizations fighting food insecurity adapt to challenges posed by the COVID-19 public health crisis. The initiative will emphasize the importance of prioritizing the use of Wisconsin products wherever possible in feeding citizens who find themselves in need of support.
More info is HERE.
Wisconsin Farm Support Program
Wisconsin is a national agriculture leader, but COVID-19 has created unprecedented challenges for our farmers, food processors, and all those in the food supply chain. This week a $50-million investment was announced to provide direct payments to Wisconsin farmers in support of the agricultural sector during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligible farmers will be asked to apply for the aid through the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, which is working in collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP). Farm support payments could begin arriving as early as June.
More info is HERE.
Best Practices for Businesses Reopening and Safe Workplaces
Governor Evers and WEDC have provided guidelines for businesses to re-engage safely so employees and customers can feel confident in their return. Those are available HERE.
The Department of Workforce Development has also updated their Safety Works website, with information pertaining to COVID-19 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. While DWD call staffing and capacity continues to expand, it is not easy to get through.
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.
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.
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.
In response to numerous inquiries from community members on how they can help during the COVID-19 emergency, the Kenosha County Joint Information Center is publishing a weekly list of needs at local food pantries. This list is compiled by Extension Kenosha County in cooperation with the Joint Information Center. To add your organization to the list, please contact Amy.Greil@kenoshacounty.org.
Current needs by organization, including the hours they are open to accept donations, are as HERE.
CDC Guidance on Face Masks
The CDC now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings. Read more HERE.
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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