Governor shuts down schools
All K-12 schools closing statewide
Gov. Tony Evers directed Department of Health Services (DHS) Secretary-designee Andrea Palm to order the statewide closure of all K-12 schools, public and private.
The order is part of the state’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Wisconsin.
The mandated closure will begin on Wednesday, March 18, in order to give school districts time to make plans for students, families, educators and staff.
School districts, particularly those in counties with reported cases of COVID-19, may choose to close earlier than Wednesday. The anticipated reopening date is April 6, 2020. However, that date is subject to change pending further information.
“Closing our schools is not a decision I made lightly, but keeping our kids, our educators, our families, and our communities safe is a top priority as we continue our work to respond to and prevent further spread of COVID-19 in Wisconsin,” Evers said.
Earlier today, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services reported 11 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the state’s total to 19 cases, including one individual who has recovered.
“Kids and families across Wisconsin often depend on our schools to access food and care,” Evers said. “We are going to continue working to do everything we can to ensure kids and families have the resources and support they need while schools are closed.”
On Thursday, March 12, the governor signed an executive order that directed DHS to take all necessary and appropriate measures to prevent and respond to incidences of COVID-19.
It allows DHS to purchase, store, or distribute appropriate medications, regardless of insurance or other health coverage, as needed to respond to the emergency.
The order also authorizes state funds to support local health departments with costs related to isolation and quarantine, as well as the use of the Wisconsin National Guard.
Decisions about the implementation of other community measures will be made by state and local officials based on CDC and DHS guidance, as well as the scope of the outbreak.
