COVID-19 Update


As the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) situation continues to unfold, my office is here to be a resource for you! If you have questions, concerns, or need help with a state agency, please contact my office today. While we are working from home to do our part to combat the virus, we are just as available. I can be reached at 608-266-0654 or Rep.Snyder@legis.wi.gov.

In the meantime, below are some of the latest updates. For the newest information, visit https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/

  • Last week, the federal government passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. Besides its lengthy title, there's a lot packed into this legislation. Here is a summary of what the legislation includes. 
  • A big concern we've heard about is testing. Earlier this week, a public-private partnership to increase Wisconsin's testing capacity was announced. The new partnership includes lab support from Exact Sciences, Marshfield Clinic Health System, Promega, and UW Health, which is expected to double capacity initially and continue to grow as supplies become available. 
  • DCF announced several new tools to help connect families with child care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Families seeking care can submit a request for consideration or proactively view up-to-date availability across the state using the department's new child care map
  • Many community organizations are stepping up to help during this difficult time. One way they're assisting is through distributing useful resources to their members. One group, WMC, has distributed a document with centralized information, specifically for employers. Employers: check out the resource here

 

Staying home can be a real challenge for many people and I am grateful for the sacrifices that our community members are making to protect themselves and their fellow citizens. 

While it is important to practice good hygiene and 'social distancing', taking care of your physical and mental health is important too! One way you can do that is going for walks, bike rides, hikes, etc. To ensure individuals have plenty of space to get outside, the Department of Natural Resources has waived entrance fees to all state parks. 

I encourage you to get out and enjoy the beautiful spring weather this weekend, just make sure you're washing your hands (or using hand sanitizer), maintaining a six foot distance from others, and staying home if you're unwell!

 

While we are in uncertain times, it is important to remember that we will get through this together, and normal life will be waiting for us on the other side of the pandemic. That is why it is important, in the midst of these strange times, to continue to look forward to the future.

One critical way you can help plan for our community's future is through participating in the US Census. The census helps determine where federal resources go including funding for roads, schools, hospitals and other crucial services.

Forms have begun arriving in mailboxes across the country, and completing them is easy! For the first time, you can complete the form online (although you can still respond by mail or phone too). Visit www.2020Census.gov for more information.