COVID-19 Pandemic Update for the Afternoon of April 20th: Update State Numbers and the Badger Bounce Back Plan
Monday, April 20th, 2020 -- 2:19 PM
COVID-19 UpdateApril 20th, Afternoon
We have a COVID-19 update for you this afternoon.
Taking a look at the updated state numbers, the state has 46,603 negative tests, 4,499 positive cases and 230 deaths. Of the positive cases, 1,211, or 27%, have been hospitalized. Clark County now has 16 positive cases and 142 negative. For our neighboring counties, Chippewa has 21 positive cases and 735 negative cases, Eau Claire has 22 positive cases and 1,452 negative, Jackson has 12 positive and 189 negative, Wood has 2 positive and 316 negative, Marathon has 17 positive and 493 negative and Taylor still has no positive cases and 74 negative. Clark, Marathon and Jackson Counties have had one person die due to the coronavirus.
During today’s press conference with Governor Evers and other officials, he, again, stressed the importance of opening the economy, but doing so by comparing it to turning a dial. Governor Evers introduced the Badger Bounce Back Plan, which will follow the guidance from the CDC and the White House by opening the economy in phases. Before they can begin these phases, the state must meet certain criteria. The Governor also stated that the National Guard will be running testing sites in areas of the state with a large number of cases or cases of community spread. The Governor did stress that if these criteria are met, the Safer at Home order could be lifted sooner. He also stated that the state could look at some more regional changes with areas that don’t have as many cases, but they still need to be cautious because those infected could bring more cases into areas that are open causing a second wave of the virus.
Again, Wisconsin’s “Safer at Home” order, asks all residents to avoid unnecessary travel. You can still go to the grocery store or pharmacy, get gas, get dinner from a local business, work in the yard, walk the dog, ride a bike, etc.; just practice social distancing when you do so.
Finally, as we continue to mention, people need to continue to take this seriously. This falls on all of us. The methods are working. We just need to keep following the guidance of the CDC and the state so we can get Wisconsin back open for business and get things back to normal. We must put aside petty politics and work together. This is a trying time, but we will get through it with the right mindset and if we work together and help each other along during these difficult times. If there’s anything we can do at Central Wisconsin Broadcasting to help, please reach out. We have many resources available to you on our website and Facebook page and we’re happy to answer your questions. If we can’t, we can put you in touch with someone that can. But above all, stay calm, take care, buy your groceries one week at a time and continue to follow health expert guidelines.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.