Gov. Tony Evers today declared a public health emergency due to the coronavirus, following a sixth person testing positive for the virus in Wisconsin.

It was the fifth case discovered this week. 

The most recent cases are in Pierce, Dane, Fond du Lac, and Waukesha counties. The first known case, a person in Dane County who tested positive in early February, has recovered.

In addition to the cases already identified, Evers’ office in a release noted 37 people are returning to the state from the Princess Cruise Ship who may have been exposed. They will be in monitored self-quarantine for two weeks.

An executive order from Evers directs the Department of Health Services to take the necessary measures to help prevent and respond to the virus. 

Under the order, DHS can purchase, store and distribute medications as needed, regardless of whether people have health coverage. State funds are also authorized to help local health departments with costs related to quarantine and isolation. 

The order also authorizes the Wisconsin adjutant general to activate the National Guard to assist in the state’s response and directs the Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection to enforce prohibitions on price gouging during an emergency.

See the release here.
Read the executive order here.
See more soon at WisPolitics.com.

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