29 Wisconsinites aboard cruise ship that docked at the Port of Oakland in California last week because of COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak brought home.

Green Bay, WI - In light of increasing concerns around the spread and transmission of COVID-19, the City of Green Bay and Green Bay Metro Transit want to ensure the safety of employees, riders, and the general public. Thus, effective Monday, March 16, 2020, public transportation service will be suspended until further notice.

Paratransit services will remain available for all medically necessary trips. Paratransit riders should continue to call 920-448-3185 to schedule.

Director Kiewiz states, “Social distancing is critical at this time to keep everyone healthy and safe. This is difficult to do with the services Green Bay Metro provides. We are committed to reinstating transportation services when we can ensure a safe environment for our employees, riders and the public. “

Mayor Eric Genrich confirms, “I do not take the decision to suspend transit services lightly, but I am committed to taking any and all actions to keep our community safe and our employees well, in the days ahead. I regret the disruption this will have on the lives of our residents and employers. However, we must err on the side of caution and public safety, as we navigate these uncharted waters.”

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/teaching-students-s5.jpgClosure will begin on Wednesday, March 18th, in order to give school districts ample time to make plans for kids, families, educators, and staff. The anticipated reopening date is April 6, 2020, but may be subject to change.

WASHINGTON, DC - President Trump on Friday declared a national emergency over the coronavirus, freeing up additional resources and funding as federal, state and local governments attempt to combat the rapidly spreading disease.

Read the developing report here

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/tony-evers-talks-2u-s5.jpgWisconsin Gov. Tony Evers gives you an update on what's happening here in response to the coronavirus pandemic and explains the necessary precautions and preparations we are taking.

News and links on the crisis from the City of Green Bay.

Green Bay, WI - The City of Green Bay is carefully monitoring the course of this communicable virus.  This is a rapidly changing situation, and we urge residents to become informed, stay updated and take precautions by reading the information in the links below.

This morning, Governor Evers issued executive order #72, “Relating to a Proclamation Declaring a Health Emergency in Response to the COVID-19 Coronavirus.”  This enables the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to respond to protect the public.

Green Bay Police and Metro Fire Departments will continue emergency operations, during this time.

The City of Green Bay has communicated with employees, reiterating methods which would protect both the public and employees, and to continue operations.

Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich and County Executive Troy Streckenbach are holding a round table with top public health, medical, and school officials in Green Bay regarding COVID-19 medical preparedness and community engagement.

Important links:

Governor Evers’ State of Public Health Emergency

https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/WIGOV/2020/03/12/file_attachments/1399035/EO072-DeclaringHealthEmergencyCOVID-19.pdf.

CDC guidelines

www.coronavirus.gov

Wisconsin Department of Health Services

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/disease/coronavirus.htm

Brown County Public Health

www.stayhealthybc.com

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/covid-19-india-test-s5.jpg'We Should Keep All Options on the Table' says Milwaukee's Bowen.

State Democratic Party provides information on social distancing and postponed gatherings during the COVID-19 crisis.

MADISON, WI - Following guidance from local health officials to practice social distancing and postpone gatherings of more than 250 individuals, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin will replace its traditional canvassing operation with a digital organizing program ahead of the April 7 Spring election. The party will also postpone its annual Founders Day dinner, originally scheduled for April 4, to a later date. Other in-person gatherings will be postponed or moved online.

“The health and safety of Wisconsinites is our number one priority. It's time for all groups and institutions with events planned in the next few weeks to take swift action to slow the spread of Coronavirus,” said Ben Wikler, Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. “We have 26 days until a critical Supreme Court election, so our organizing will move full steam ahead online.”

DPW has been developing contingency plans for several weeks in anticipation of the growing COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Democratic Party of Wisconsin encourages Wisconsinites to request absentee ballots online at www.myvote.wi.gov. The deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail is Thursday, April 2.

Rep. Staush Gruszynski shares the links provided by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Brown County on COVID -19 response that may be helpful to Green Bay area residents.

http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/covid-19-bus-s5.jpgWisconsin had 5 new cases this week, and state needs to take action now to slow the spread until we get the resources we need to be proactive when it comes to protecting people.