Wisconsin fight against coronavirus ‘going to get worse before it gets better’

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) – Following another record-setting day in reported cases of COVID-19 in the state, Governor Tony Evers and health leaders urged Wisconsinites to adhere to mitigation efforts to help slow the spread of coronavirus at a time when they say it is likely the troubling trend in the state is likely to continue.

“We’re at a critical point in our fight against this virus,” Gov. Evers said in a media briefing.

“We know that this is going to get worse before it gets better,” Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm said.

DHS reported an additional 3,747 positive cases of COVID-19 in the state, another record high.

State leaders want residents to adhere to mitigation efforts like mask wearing, social distancing, hand washing and avoiding large gatherings. Two of Gov. Evers’ efforts to help slow the spread of the virus – orders on a mask mandate and limiting public indoor gatherings – are currently being fought in court by conservatives.

The concerns by state leaders are echoed by a new report from the White House Coronavirus Task Force.

“There is extreme concern for continued increases in community transmission with increasing hospitalizations and deaths,” the report said. It recommends the use of mask wearing, social distancing and avoidance of large gatherings to help slow the spread of the virus and that, “lack of compliance with these measures will lead to preventable deaths.”

Governor Evers said his administration was in recent communication with the task force and has made requests for additional resources. That includes the Army Corps of Engineers to return to Wisconsin and discuss the potential need for additional care facility spaces.

“The longer it takes for everyone to take this virus seriously, the longer it will take for our economy and communities to get back on track,” Evers said.

Evers also noted other states with Republican governors and legislatures have been able to mitigate their spread of the virus through mask mandates and limits on public gatherings. However, Evers said he has not yet received any proposals from state Republicans on how to address the surge in cases and deaths.