The COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) situation is rapidly evolving, so I want to provide you with some of the latest updates and resources:
On Tuesday, Governor Evers and the Department of Health Services limited gatherings to less than 10 people to slow the spread of COVID-19, subject to certain exceptions. Today, they issued other guidelines providing additional clarification. See more below on how you can continue to support area businesses during this time!
The previous school closure deadline of April 6th has been changed; public and private schools will remain closed indefinitely. The Department of Public Instruction also announced it would waive the hours of instruction requirement due to the public health emergency.
On Thursday, the Department of Transportation announced important changes pertaining to DMVs. Beginning Monday, March 23, in- person services at DMV service centers will become limited and all DMVs will require those seeking new driver’s licenses or ID cards to schedule an appointment. Licenses and CDLs that are set to expire during the public health emergency will be automatically extended for 60 days. All driver skills tests are canceled until further notice.
State agencies are requesting that citizens utilize online services for as many services as possible. From applying for unemployment benefits, to titling or registering a vehicle, renewing a drivers license, etc.: please go online for your services if possible!
President Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The new law provides free testing, paid sick leave, family leave for caregivers, and food assistance, among other relief efforts. Click this link to read more.
Tune into the Center for Disease Control's website for more updates.
Support Our Local Businesses
The Wausau Central Wisconsin Visitors Bureau has compiled a list of local resources including options for dine out delivery and pickup, online worship services, outdoor attractions and food pick-up locations. They are also compiling a list of local business offerings, which will be released soon. These are challenging times for all of us; please join me in supporting our local establishments during this time, which includes appropriate safety precautions. Here are a few tips:
- When ordering carry out/delivery, don't eat straight from the carry out containers, instead consider using your own dishes and utensils.
-Anytime you are in public, even outdoors on public walking trails/parks, maintain a safe 6 foot distance between yourself and others.
-As always, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, use alcohol based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol). For those that have been unable to find hand sanitizer in store, consider making your own! Here is an easy recipe.
-Stay home if you are unwell. Regardless of whether you have COVID-19, seasonal flu, or another contagious illness, stay home if you are sick!
Youth of the Year
Feanna Vang of the Wausau area was named the Wisconsin Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year. Out of 144,000 Club Members across 159 Clubs in 58 Wisconsin cities, she showed what it means to achieve success in the face of life’s challenges. Congratulations Feanna!
You can watch WisconsinEye's Morning Minute about Feanna here.
Office Hours
As a result of COVID-19, my office hours are going virtual! Next week Thursday, March 26th I will host a conference call for constituents to tune in and ask questions or tell me their thoughts or ideas on state government. While COVID-19 is on the mind of many, we will cover any topics related to state government that folks are interested in discussing.
If you would like to join my virtual office hours, please respond to this email (Rep. Snyder@legis.wisconsin.gov) to RSVP and I will distribute the call in number and access code. I appreciate your patience in these unusual times.
As always, if you have questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact me outside of office hours at (608) 266-0654 (toll-free: (888) 534-0085) or email me at Rep.Snyder@legis.wi.gov.
If you have any comments regarding the subject of this E-Update, please feel free to contact me.
Rep. Pat Snyder State Capitol, Room 307 North PO Box 8953 Madison, WI 53708 Toll-Free (888) 534-0085 or (608) 266-0654 Rep.Snyder@legis.wi.gov| |
