This is my last weekly pandemic update. The law that lifted the 50 piece rule, only allowed for the lifting of that rule for 30 days, which ends tomorrow. If you any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office.
Department of Health Services
There is a TON of data available from the Department of Health Services (DHS) regarding COVID-19.
Most of the data I will share with you is from June 9, 2020 because at the time of crafting this update, the updated numbers for June 10th were not yet made available. However, I would recommend, if you are interested, in checking out the DHS COVID-19 Data Website, which is updated daily.
The DHS Data shows an average percentage of positive COVID-19 cases statewide has been decreasing over the last several weeks.
On May 27, 2020, about two weeks ago, the percentage of positive cases was 5.8% of those tested. In the days since, the percentage has been steadily declining to around 2% - yesterday was the first day it was UNDER 2%!
While businesses are beginning to open up and life is slowly returning to its former self, everyone is still encouraged to maintain social distancing, good hand hygiene, and reach out to your primary care provider if you begin to feel ill, especially with a cough or fever.
Do you have symptoms of COVID-19? Have you been exposed? Get tested!
In May, Governor Evers and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) announced a $75 million small business grant program. Applications for these grants will be available next week to small businesses with 20 or fewer employees.
Funded by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the We’re All In Small Business Grant Program will provide 30,000 Wisconsin small businesses with a $2,500 grant to assist with the costs of business interruption due to COVID-19 or for health and safety improvements, wages and salaries, rent, mortgages and inventory. Click the link here for more details and answers to frequently asked questions.
The online grant application will be accessible for ONE WEEK ONLY from 8 a.m. Monday, June 15, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, June 21.
Applicants are encouraged to prepare for the one-week application period by gathering the following required documents:
2018 or 2019 federal tax return for business (If you started your business in 2020, you are not eligible for this grant). Applicable tax returns are:
Schedule C, Profit and Loss from Business
IRS form 1065 Partnership Return (no K-1s required)
IRS form 1120 Corporation Return (no schedules required)
IRS form 1120S S Corporation Return (no K-1s required)
IRS form 1040 (sole proprietors) and the following:
Throughout that pandemic, people have struggled physically, financially, and emotionally, which has likely caused many to struggle mentally.
I want to be sure that you and your loved ones are aware of the various mental health resources available:
Resilient Wisconsin, a new page from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, has consolidated the latest mental and behavioral health self-care tools and trauma-informed practices
NAMI Wisconsin has launched a website with COVID-19 resources related to mental health.
Center for Suicide Awareness’ HOPELINE – Text HOPELINE to 741741 from anywhere, anytime, about any type of challenge or struggle. Help and hope is just a text away
My Office is Open
Even though these updates will be ending, my office is still open and my staff and I are here to assist you with whatever State related issues you may be experiencing.
If there was a resource during the pandemic, you may have found helpful in one of my weekly updates, those are all housed in the E-updates section of my website and you are able to go back and look at them.
Additionally, if you are looking for COVID-19 specific resources, there is a drop down from my main banner that can link you to the following resources:
As we continue to move forward in these uncertain times, please remember to stay safe and healthy, wash your hands, and social distance when necessary. I hope you all remain health during these summer months - be sure to get outside to get some natural Vitamin D and fresh air!
