FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

November 11, 2020

Contact: Senator Robert Cowles: (608) 266-0484

Cowles Echoes Call for Unity in COVID-19 Fight 

GREEN BAY– Senator Robert Cowles (R-Green Bay) released the following statement after Governor Tony Evers (D-Wisconsin) addressed the state last night to call for unity in the fight against COVID-19 by having more Wisconsinites follow the COVID-19 federal, state, or local spread prevention guidelines: 

“I agree that we need to work together to control the spread of COVID-19 to get our economy back on track. As a community member, I am concerned for my neighbors, friends and family, and our local businesses, some of which may have closed their doors for good. The unfortunate reality is that our lives have been disrupted in ways that were inconceivable at the beginning of the year.

“Fortunately, we learned of good news yesterday that a vaccine may be available for wide distribution by early next year. However, between now and then, without a dramatic shift in tone, practice, and individual responsibility from all Wisconsinites, we’ll continue to see rising cases, hospitalizations, deaths, and worsening economic anguish that COVID-19 has brought to Northeast Wisconsin. Just in the four counties I serve (Brown, Outagamie, Shawano, and Waupaca), 300 lives have now been lost to the virus. Many more area residents who’ve beat the virus have had their lives put on hold as they work to recover from the long-term effects of COVID-19. Hospitals around the state are nearing capacity and one area provider has had to halt community testing so a reduced staff can focus on bedside care. We’re in a bad spot, and it’s likely getting worse.

“Right now, there’s no signs of the virus activity slowing in and around the 2nd Senate District, with 3,592 new cases in these four counties over the past week. It’s time to do even more to assist our communities, work for our neighbors and local businesses, and support our health care professionals. Therefore, I echo the call for unity, whether it’s in the State House or your house. We can help limit the spread of COVID-19, but we have that responsibility. Please avoid gatherings, wear a mask, choose takeout when possible, socially distance, disinfect commonly touched surfaces, stay home, and seek a test if you’re under the weather. These steps are relatively easy, and they may just make a big difference.”

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