Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Updates on coronavirus and how it's affecting life in Wisconsin from reporters from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and the USA Today Network-Wisconsin.

Updated Live Blog: Tuesday's coverage of coronavirus around Wisconsin

Related Coverage: What you need to know about coronavirus in Wisconsin

More Coverage: Coronavirus in the U.S. and around the world

11:06 p.m.: 11 Milwaukee County municipalities, including Milwaukee, prohibit dining in at restaurants, bars

Eleven Milwaukee County municipalities issued orders closing bars and restaurants effective 2:01 a.m. Tuesday — except for carryout, delivery and curbside service.

Those issuing the order Monday night were the city of Milwaukee, St. Francis, South Milwaukee, Cudahy and the seven North Shore communities of Bayside, Brown Deer, Fox Point, Glendale, River Hills, Shorewood and Whitefish Bay.

The rest of the municipalities in Milwaukee County are expected to follow within 24 hours.

—Alison Dirr

9:53 p.m.: South Milwaukee/St. Francis Health Department issues order prohibiting dining in

The South Milwaukee/St. Francis Health Department issued an order that prohibits dining in at restaurants and bars, effective 2:01 a.m. Tuesday. Other municipalities, including the city of Milwaukee, are expected to follow soon.

8:50 p.m.: Milwaukee bars and restaurants expected to be ordered to close except for carryout

Bars and restaurants across Milwaukee County are expected to be ordered to close within the next 24 hours, except for carryout, delivery and curbside service — an effort of elected and health officials to head off a growing number of coronavirus cases.

Tuesday’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration was of particular concern to members of the Milwaukee County Intergovernmental Cooperation Council, which held an emergency meeting Monday evening via phone and includes the mayor, village president or administrator from each of the county’s 19 municipalities. The only municipalities not represented on the call were Greendale and River Hills.

Those on the call expressed concerns about the large groups that gather to celebrate the holiday, which health officials expect will cause the number of coronavirus cases in the county to further increase. Others expressed concerns about the effect on businesses that had planned to be open for the popular going-out holiday.

Some executives also wanted to a chance to update their village boards or common councils before health commissioners issue the orders.

Expected to issue the orders Monday evening are the city of Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, Cudahy and South Milwaukee in addition to the seven municipalities served by the North Shore Health Department: Bayside, Brown Deer, Fox Point, Glendale, River Hills, Shorewood and Whitefish Bay, according to Glendale Mayor Bryan Kennedy, who chairs the council.

—Alison Dirr

8:24 p.m.: Pabst Theater Group cancels shows through May 15

No concerts through May 15. That's the plan right now for the Pabst Theater Group.

In light of the coronavirus pandemic that's canceling concerts across the world, the venue operator in Milwaukee — which runs the 1,300-seat Pabst Theater, the 2,500-seat Riverside Theater, the 900-person-capacity Turner Hall Ballroom and the 300-person-capacity Back Room at Colectivo Coffee — has announced that every show for the next two months is canceled or postponed.

"It's just a tremendous shock, of course," Pabst Theater Group CEO Gary Witt told the Journal Sentinel. "We're doing what everyone in our industry is doing and following CDC guidelines. … There is a much bigger picture to worry about than concert tickets."

In Milwaukee, major spring concerts — including Kenny Chesney with Florida Georgia Line at Miller Park, and Fiserv Forum appearances from Elton John and Blake Shelton — have been postponed, with new dates to be announced. For John and Shelton, their returns to Milwaukee won't happen until 2021.

The Rave in Milwaukee Monday also announced that its venue, including the box office, will be closed to the public through March 31. Several shows through April have been postponed or canceled.

That's also the case at Shank Hall, with shows scheduled through early May affected. Other area live-music venues, like the Northern Lights Theater at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, the Cactus Club, and the Jazz Estate are also closed indefinitely.

— Piet Levy

7:46 p.m.: Wisconsin's Sen. Ron Johnson worried coronavirus relief bill would incentivize people to 'not show up to work'

Wisconsin's Republican Sen. Ron Johnson has raised concerns about a coronavirus relief bill that passed the House on Saturday, saying expanding paid sick leave would exacerbate financial hardships for small business by "forcing them to pay wages they cannot afford."

Johnson said he's worried not only about potential layoffs but also about “incentivizing people to not show up for work either."

“People are going to have to work. People do need to recognize the fact that this is not Ebola. This is not MERS. It's not quite the seasonal flu," Johnson said. "But we have to keep things in perspective and we got to keep our economy."

– Christal Hayes, USA Today

7:22 p.m.: Milwaukee County closes golf courses, disc golf courses and dog parks

County Parks announced Monday that in addition to closing public venues like the Milwaukee County Zoo and Mitchell Park Domes, golf and disc golf courses will be closed starting Tuesday, and dog parks will be locked.

Also canceled are park rentals, special events and sporting activities through April 17. You can still reserve events that take place after May 15.

Parks staff are now telecommuting, according to the county parks website. Staff who need to take care of dependents will receive paid sick leave.

- Matt Piper

7:07 p.m.: Free car washes for those who need to get out of the house but stay contained

Full Service Car Wash is offering free Exterior Car Washes through Friday at its four Milwaukee-area locations, which include Wauwatosa, Grafton, West Bend and Wauwatosa, according to Facebook post from company Vice President Tyler Leikam. Families may stay in their vehicles during the washes.

“With good feelings in short supply, it's the least we can do to help put a smile on everyone's face,” he said. "A car wash is a good, clean, fun experience for the whole family. It makes for a safe excursion outside of the house for those who might feel a little 'caged up' this week."

—Gina Barton

Milwaukee County has 13 coronavirus cases, 180 more under investigation

In a news conference, County Executive Chris Abele said that pandemics end basically by people isolating from each other. “The degree to which we are disciplined in following this advice” is the difference between lives lost and lives saved, he said.

Mayor Tom Barrett added that "This is the most serious challenge this world has faced since World War II," and urged people to stay home.

Milwaukee Health Commissioner Jeanette Kowalik said there are 9 cases in the city of Milwaukee, and there is community spread — people catching coronavirus from other people within the community, not from people who traveled abroad to areas where coronavirus has been active.

“We want to remind everyone to treat each other respect,” she said, but people should keep their distance from others.

There will be an economic impact, Kowalik said.

The parks department also advises people to avoid using playgrounds at this time. Signage will be posted to serve as a reminder.

—Alison Dirr

6:03 p.m.: Germantown takes high-interest item off agenda to avoid breaking attendance limit

A local governmental body is taking action in the aftermath of Gov. Tony Evers’ ban on gatherings of 50 people or more.

Due to an expected large crowd at tonight’s village of Germantown board meeting, an item on the agenda tied to a residential development will no longer be discussed or acted on.

The board will not discuss rezoning land near Germantown’s Kinderberg Park to pave the way for 16 single-family lots after the plan commission's earlier approval.

“Based on prior attendance on that issue, we believed that more than 50 people would attend the meeting for that item, exceeding Centers for Disease Control and state of Wisconsin guidelines," village president Steve Kreklow said.

The meeting is still scheduled at 7 p.m.

—Cathy Kozlowicz

4:40 p.m.: Wisconsin schools can more easily waive school hour requirements

Schools across Wisconsin will more easily be able to waive state-mandated school hour requirements, the state Department of Public Instruction announced Monday, days after Gov. Tony Evers mandated all schools shutter to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.

DPI also said it's "aggressively pursuing" a waiver request to the U.S. Department of Education for mandated assessments, and will work with the state lawmakers and Evers to suspend state testing requirements this spring because of the "unprecedented circumstances" brought on by the health crisis.

— Samantha West

4:40 p.m.: Legal Action of Wisconsin official calls on courts to halt evictions immediately

Wisconsin courts should immediately halt all evictions, even those that have already been approved by the courts, as the state continues to deal the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, according to the top official at Legal Action of Wisconsin.

A letter calling for halt will be sent to the chief judges in the 39 counties where Legal Action operates, said Christine Donahoe, housing priority coordinator for the nonprofit that provides legal help to low income people. Donahoe said Legal Action plans to send out the letter from Deedee Peterson, its executive director, Monday or Tuesday.

"The courts and sheriffs should not be evicting any families during this crisis," Donahoe said. "The courts have the power to tell sheriffs to stop kicking people out of their home."

Evictions have already grounded to a halt in Milwaukee and Dane counties because officials there have shut down their small claims courts. However, there are previously approved cases where the eviction orders, known as writs of restitution, have not yet been served.

The Legal Action call goes a step further and asks the courts to order local sheriffs not to serve the eviction orders.

"When a writ of restitution is executed, a household may become homeless or be forced to double up with friends or family," Peterson wrote. "Both of these conditions would facilitate the spread of COVID-19 and exacerbate the predicted strain on our healthcare systems."

Donahoesaid the ban is also need to protect the deputies who serve the eviction orders.

"It's an issue when you think about sending sheriff deputies into those homes where they risk exposure" to the virus, Donahoe said.

Heiner Giese, legal counsel for the Apartment Association for Southeastern Wisconsin, said issuing a ban on executing eviction orders is unfair to landlords.

"I don’t understand why you would stop the evictions that are already out there," Giese said, explaining the cases that would be affected by the order have been pending for two to three months. If a ban were issued landlords "would have keep renting to a person even if they're already out three months rent."

— Cary Spivak

4:30 p.m.: Milwaukee Bucks offering meals to employees at Fiserv Forum

The Milwaukee Bucks may not be playing games, but they’re still giving back to their employees.

The team announced that on Wednesday it will offer meals to full and part-time employees of the Bucks, Fiserv Forum, ABM, Impark and Levy.

The meals serve a family of four and 600 employees are expected to take part.

“We’re just following up on making sure our family members are taken care of,” said Bucks Senior Vice President Alex Lasry. “We know this is an unprecedented time, so we want to make sure we're able to help out. We've got your back and we're here for you. And we want to make sure everyone is able to get through this unprecedented global pandemic.”

The employees are asked to RSVP with the team and should bring their credentials to present when picking up meals. Those employees who have any of the coronavirus symptoms or who have been around someone who does, are asked not to attend.

— Bill Glauber

4:12 p.m.: U.S. Rep. Gallagher not surprised by reports of cyber-attack on federal computer system

Responding to reports of a cyber-attack on his department as it responded to the pandemic, U.S. Health Secretary Alex Azar said at Monday’s White House coronavirus briefing that “in the previous 24 hours, we saw a great deal of enhanced activity with relation to the HHS computer systems and web site. Fortunately, we have extremely strong barriers. We had no penetration into our networks.”

Azar said the source of that activity is still under investigation.

House Republican Mike Gallagher said in an interview Monday that he was not surprised to see reports of a cyberattack.

The Wisconsin Republican is co-chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, a bipartisan body created last year to help defend the nation against cyber-attacks. It released its initial report and recommendations last week.

“Though the report begins with a fictional futuristic account of what Congress would look like in the wake of such a cyber-attack, even we didn’t forecast a scenario of a pandemic combined with cyber-attack,” said Gallagher.

You can read the report here.

— Craig Gilbert

4:05 p.m.: Civilian member of Milwaukee Police Department tests positive for coronavirus

A civilian member of the Milwaukee Police Department has tested positive for the coronavirus, the department said in a statement.

The employee is quarantined at home and "the people within this employee’s work location are being monitored closely," according to the department.

The employee's role doesn't involve direct contact with the public, so the department doesn't believe the public was placed at risk.

— Alison Dirr

4 p.m.: Oak Creek reports coronavirus case

The Oak Creek Health Department reported that a resident had tested positive for coronavirus and is in home isolation. The resident has followed all recommendations of the Oak Creek Health Department.

The department is working to identify and follow up with anyone this person has come into close contact with this individual. People who had close contact will be monitored by Health Department staff and will have daily checks for any symptoms and temperatures in addition to being self-quarantined, according to a statement from the Oak Creek Health Department.

— Alison Dirr

3:50 p.m.: U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore says she is self-quarantining

U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore says she is self-quarantining after someone she came into contact with on March 8 tested positive for coronavirus.

"While I have not shown any symptoms, I will follow guidance from public health officials and practice social distancing and self-quarantine to protect others from potential exposure," Moore said in a statement.

Moore did not say in the press release where she came into contact with someone who tested positive for the coronavirus on March 8.

That afternoon she spoke at a press conference at Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett’s office in City Hall.

At that March 8 meeting with Milwaukee media, Moore talked about a recent spending package passed by Congress to combat coronavirus. She said a question she has heard from constituents is how people who must self-quarantine because they're sick or have come in contact with someone sick with the virus will bear the expense, particularly if they don't have sick leave.

A provision in Congress that would provide seven days of sick leave and as much as 14 days in outbreak areas is pending, Moore said, something that would not mitigate the disaster COVID-19 has inflicted on some countries but "it will certainly take the edge off of one of the most pernicious and concerning things that people have" especially for those living paycheck to paycheck.

— Mary Spicuzza & Meg Jones

3:30 p.m.: Milwaukee VA Medical Center to restrict visitors

Starting Tuesday the Milwaukee VA Medical Center will restrict all visitors coming to the Milwaukee hospital campus and clinics in Union Grove, Green Bay, Appleton and Cleveland with some restrictions.

No visitors will be allowed for inpatient and outpatient appointments. Since last week visitors have been restricted in the spinal cord unit and nursing home. Exceptions include:

End of life care such as hospice or palliative care, or when it is clinically necessary

Patients with disruptive behavior where a family member is key to their care

Patients with altered mental status or developmental delays where a caregiver provides safety

Patients undergoing surgery or procedures who must leave the hospital as soon as possible after the surgery

Those visitors will only be permitted in the patient’s room and once they leave the room, they must leave the facility. Visitors will not be allowed to see patients with a pending or positive coronavirus test.

Also, visitors allowed to enter the hospital or clinic under special exceptions must not have respiratory infection symptoms, such as a cough, fever and shortness of breath, and will be required to participate in COVID-19 screening.

— Meg Jones

3:25 p.m.: United Way launches a fund for coronavirus assistance

The United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County has launched the COVID-19 Urgent Needs Fund to raise money for the group’s partners, which are seeing increased demand for emergency food services and increased costs for such things as staffing, medical equipment and cleaning supplies. A first round of funds have been sent to shelters and food pantries, according to Nicole Angresano, United Way’s vice president of community impact.

3:17 p.m.: Milwaukee County closes some senior programs

The Milwaukee County Department on Aging announced a series of changes in response to the coronavirus.

Five senior centers owned by the county — Clinton Rose Senior Center, Kelly Senior Center, McGovern Park Senior Center, Washington Park Senior Center and Wilson Park Senior Center — are closed for social programming.

Senior dining sites at Arlington Court, College Court, Convent Hill, Fernwood Court, Franklin, Grobschmidt Senior Center, Lapham Park, Milwaukee Christian Center and West Allis Senior Center will transition to carry-out meals only. Eight others — Clinton Rose Senior Center, Elks Lodge, Greater Galilee, Hart Park Senior Center, Kelly Senior Center, McGovern Park Senior Center, Washington Park Senior Center and Wilson Senior Center — will transition to carry-out meals only on Tuesday.

Indian Council for the Elderly, LGBT Community Center and Muslim Community Health Center are closing senior centers and senior dining sites. The United Community Center will be closed for senior center and senior dining on Monday and Tuesday.

It is recommended that people call the Aging Resource Call Center at 414-289-6874 instead of coming into the office to minimize possible transmission of the virus. Staff will be conducting appointments over the phone. The department said that Meals on Wheels will continue as normal for older adults.

3:02 Republican Mike Gallagher, Democrat Mark Pocan say U.S. must wean off China supply line

House Republican Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin said Monday that when the U.S. gets through the coronavirus crisis it will need to turn its attention to reducing its dependency on China for medicine and other critical goods and supplies.

In an interview Monday, Gallagher said the current crisis is a reminder “of how dangerously dependent we have become on China in our medical supply chain, in our national security supply chain, and even in our basic electronics supply chain. When the dust settles, we will have to work through the question of how we responsibly decouple key sectors of our economy from Beijing.”

House Democrat Mark Pocan of Wisconsin also cited the concentration of production in China of medical supplies and drugs during a call with reporters Monday.

“We’re going to have to figure out how to get more of these items produced back in the United States,” said Pocan, who has introduced a bill with Gallagher to strengthen medical supply chains.

— Craig Gilbert

2:44 p.m.: ProHealth Care set up a 24-hour hotline

ProHealth Care has set up a 24-hour coronavirus hotline to answer questions from people who have symptoms need to seek care. The hotline phone number is 262-928-4499. Callers who need to make an appointment will be connected with a scheduler. Those needing care also may be encouraged to use ProHealth Care’s video service.

The health system also noted that people who have symptoms of Covid-19, the respiratory disease caused by the virus, such as fever, cough and shortness of breath, are strongly encouraged to not visit a clinic or emergency department. They first should call the hotline or their physician’s office.

2:35 p.m.: Froedtert postpones elective surgeries

Froedtert Health is postponing elective surgeries that do not put patients at risk. The health system said it will contact the affected patients directly and will reevaluate the decision at a later date. It also said that it will be moving from in-person clinic visits to video and telephone options when possible.

- Guy Boulton

2:20 p.m.: Milwaukee Archdiocese suspends Mass until April 3

Citing government directives to limit attendance at gatherings, Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki announced Monday that he was suspending the public celebration of weekday and Sunday Masses throughout the Archdiocese effective Wednesday. The suspension will last through April 3.

He asked that priests still celebrate Mass in their parishes without an assembly, including Sunday “pro populo” Masses.

“This is a big decision and I don’t make it lightly,” Listecki said in a letter Monday. “As Catholics, the Eucharist is the source and summit of our lives. In times of public crisis, people naturally turn to the Church for spiritual direction, and we need to continue to do whatever we can to support people through prayer.”

However, he wrote, it’s necessary to take precautionary measures. He asked that churches stay open for private prayer whenever possible and that people set aside time each day for private prayer or devotion.

— Alison Dirr

1:32 P.M.: Kohl's reduces store hours

Kohl's is reducing its store hours at all of its around 1,100 locations across the country. All Kohl's stores will be open for customers from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time until further notice, the company said in a news release Monday. The new store hours go into effect Tuesday.

Kohl's said the change was to ensure that stores are well-staffed and cleaned during peak times.

Late last week, the Menomonee Falls-based retailer said it had experienced "softening" sales in its stores because of the outbreak.

- Sarah Hauer

1:04 p.m.: Report any scams or price gouging to Wisconsin Department of Justice

Attorney General Josh Kaul is asking Wisconsin residents to let the Department of Justice know about any potential scams or price gouging happening in the wake of the outbreak of coronavirus.

“As we take extraordinary steps to respond to the coronavirus, Wisconsinites should be cautious of those who may be trying to take advantage of this public health emergency,” warned Attorney General Kaul. “I encourage everyone to report potential scams and price gouging and to take precautions, such as relying on verified and trusted sources of information, to guard against fraud.”

If you suspect fraud or a scam, Kaul suggests filing a complaint with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection at datcphotline@wisconsin.gov, by calling 800-422-7128, or online at datcp.wi.gov.

12:48 p.m.: MATC cancels in-person classes through April 12

Milwaukee Area Technical College extended its cancellation of all in-person classes through April 12 and told all nonessential personnel to stay home starting Tuesday. Officials learned "a member of the college community" tested positive for coronavirus.

Online classes will continue. All university buildings will remain closed to everyone except essential personnel.

All student services have been suspended. Employees will still be paid and students will get more information in the future regarding financial aid and other issues. For more information, visit matc.edu/coronavirus.

12:45 p.m.: Early voting underway in Milwaukee

Poll workers wore rubber gloves, voters used pencil erasers to make their selections on touch screens, and hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes were readily available.

Welcome to early in-person absentee voting amid the coronavirus pandemic.

A steady volume of voters showed up Zeidler Municipal Building Monday to cast ballots for the April 7 spring election.

Holly and John Steffes, teachers, were among those voting. Their daughter Lucy registered but has to wait to vote until April 1, the day she turns 18.

“I feel like the virus is going to kick in and people would be more isolated, more frenzied,” Holly Steffes said. “I wanted to make sure I voted before things got worse.”

Shane Corcoran, 66, Milwaukee, retired city of Milwaukee firefighter, wore two pairs of gloves as he cast his ballot.

“You just use basic common sense precautions, and you’re good to go,” he said. “I was in emergency medicine for 28 years. It’s almost instinctive for me to take precautions.”

12:40 p.m.: West Allis confirms it has one active case of coronavirus

A person in West Allis has tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection.

The West Allis Health Department made the announcement Monday after receiving notification about the positive test from the state Department of Health Services.

The affected person had recently returned to the United States from international travel, according to a news release from the West Allis Health Department.

Upon returning to the U.S., the individual was experiencing symptoms consistent with potential COVID-19 exposure and immediately went to a Milwaukee area hospital for evaluation.

12:30 p.m.: MCTS discourages nonessential bus travel on county buses

Milwaukee County Transit System leaders encouraged riders to limit any nonessential travel on the county’s buses.

Those who must ride are encouraged to avoid cash and contact with the farebox by paying fares with the MCTS M-Card — a contactless smartcard — or with electronic tickets on the Ride MCTS App.

Riders are also asked to keep their distance from each other, exit through back doors, stay behind the yellow line and limit interaction with bus drivers.

People who are experiencing symptoms like fever, cough and shortness of breath — or who think they might be sick — should not ride buses.

Future updates will be posted at RideMCTS.com/coronavirus.

10:49 a.m.: 29 Wisconsinites return after being stranded on cruise ship

Twenty-nine Wisconsinites who were aboard the Grand Princess cruise ship that docked in California last week are back in the state, Gov. Tony Evers announced Monday.

They returned late Sunday night to Wisconsin, where soldiers and airmen from the Wisconsin National Guard transported them back to their homes for 14 days of self-quarantine.

Two passengers decided to remain in quarantine in Texas under the custody of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Evers said.

Evers said state officials are working with the federal government to bring back seven more Wisconsin passengers who remain in HHS custody in California.

The National Guard troops were given hotel rooms at their final destinations, he said.

"We’re glad to finally have our folks back home in Wisconsin," Evers said. "These individuals have gone through a harrowing experience full of uncertainty and fear over the past several weeks. But as I’ve said repeatedly, here in Wisconsin, we take care of one another."

More than 3,500 people were on board the Grand Princess which had 21 total cases of COVID-19.

About 30 soldiers and airmen from the Wisconsin National Guard mobilized to state active duty after the governor declared a public health emergency, and transported the Wisconsin residents home early Monday morning after the passengers landed at the National Guard’s Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center in Camp Douglas, Wisconsin.

From there, Guard members transported them home in state vans, Evers said.

- Mary Spicuzza

10:43 a.m.: Dells resorts begin to close

Water parks in Wisconsin Dells will close until April, cutting off some of the spring break business the resorts typically get each year.

Mary Jessen, spokeswoman for the Kalahari Resort and indoor water park in Wisconsin Dells, said the complex will close starting Wednesday until April 2.

"We have had no reported positive COVID-19 cases within our guest or associate communities. However, with the new guidance restricting gatherings, we have made the decision to temporarily close," Jessen said in an email.

The Great Wolf Lodge resort and indoor water park in Wisconsin Dells also will close until April, according to its website.

- Molly Beck

10:30 a.m.: U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil says relief bill will hurt small businesses

U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil, one of four Wisconsin Republicans to vote against a coronavirus relief bill that passed the U.S. House 363-40 early Saturday morning, said Monday the measure “puts a massive burden on small business creators.”

“We need to make fixes to this bill to make sure we don’t jeopardize (people’s) jobs once we are back on our feet,” said Steil.

Interviewed on WTMJ radio, Steil said he hoped Congress would pass amended legislation, and “I have no doubt we are going to see a third and fourth and fifth (coronavirus bill passed) down the road” to deal with the crisis.

Radio host Steve Scaffidi told Steil, “You and I both know that there are some Republicans, friends and colleagues, that I think are downplaying the significance of this crisis.”

Steil said, “The countries that have taken decisive action early have saved lives … The countries that haven’t, have had severe consequence to their health systems. And so what we need to be doing now is listening to our health experts, listening to the Centers for Disease Control, listening to our state health care experts … This is not a time when you want to check your Facebook feed or your Twitter feed for what your neighbor and friends might think about the disease … It is important that we’re listening to our health care experts and we’re not all at home playing epidemiologist and doctor.”

— Craig Gilbert

10:20 a.m.: Elton John postpones rest of tour, including Milwaukee stop

Elton John fans are going to have to wait until next year to see his last Milwaukee concert.

John has pushed back 19 dates of his "Farewell Yellow Brick Road" tour this spring, including the second, and likely final, Milwaukee stop of the tour at Fiserv Forum. Originally scheduled for April 28, a new date for 2021 will be announced later. All previously purchased tickets will be honored, and refunds will be available.

The cancelation follows a flurry of major Milwaukee concert postponements that happened Thursday due to the coronavirus pandemic, including Kenny Chesney with Florida Georgia Line, Michael Bublé, Blake Shelton and Dan + Shay. The latter will now play Fiserv Forum Aug. 28, and Shelton will schedule his Fiserv Forum show for spring 2021. New dates have yet to be announced for Chesney or Bublé.

9:50 a.m. Ron Johnson on coronavirus legislation: 'I am not sure a bill is currently necessary'

With the U.S. Senate expected to take up an emergency coronavirus bill based by the House last week, Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin said Monday morning, “I am not sure a bill is currently necessary.”

Johnson said he was still not sure what is in the bill passed overwhelmingly by the House with the support or President Donald Trump, and he applauded Wisconsin’s four House Republicans for voting against it.

The GOP senator, chairman of the Senate’s homeland security committee, issued a statement after passage of the House bill saying he was worried the legislation would harm small businesses by forcing them to give paid sick leave to employees.

Interviewed on WTMJ radio by host Steve Scaffidi, Johnson said a bill might not be necessary with actions by the Federal Reserve and the president’s declaration of emergency. Johnson said if the Treasury Secretary has the authority to give businesses relief by releasing them from having to make their estimated tax payments and their payroll tax withholding payments that would be a better approach.

“We certainly don’t want people feeling pressured to go into work,” Johnson said, adding that using state unemployment funds, with federal help, was a better way to support workers.

Asked by Scaffidi what he would say to some Republicans who contend the crisis is being exaggerated, Johnson said:

“Can you make (that) case in terms of the number of deaths versus other things like auto accidents or just the normal flu? We’ve already had tens of thousands of people this year die of the normal flu. But we’re not putting the body count on news media every day. So again, I’m a little concerned about us overreacting. I don’t think we’re under-reacting. There may be a case to be made that … we may be overreacting in some instances, but if that overreaction stops the spread, that’s probably the best way to get our economy back on track.”

— Craig Gilbert

9:28 a.m: Greater Milwaukee Foundation launches relief fund

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation has launched the MKE Responds Fund to provide help during the coronavirus outbreak. The foundation is working with a coalition of philanthropists, government and business partners to raise money for “community-based organizations working in the Greater Milwaukee area with communities disproportionately impacted by coronavirus and the economic consequences of this pandemic,” the organization said in a statement. MKE Responds Fund is expected to provide grants to organizations addressing basic needs, including help for food and shelter, particularly for school-aged children and their families; medical access; and for older people and those with underlying health conditions. The foundation said it was talking with community partners to understand more about what the most immediate needs are.

9:02 a.m.: YMCA of Milwaukee to close, may reopen April 1

The YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee closed on Sunday in an effort to keep its staff and community members safe as coronavirus continues to spread. The closure is slated to last for about two weeks with a tentative reopening date of April 1.

“We simply need to be part of the solution, not the problem,” the YMCA said.

March 16, 7:13 a.m.: Harley-Davidson Museum closes

The Harley-Davidson Museum campus will temporarily close to the public beginning Monday with a goal to reopen on April 6. The closure includes the Harley-Davidson Museum, MOTOR Bar and Restaurant and the gift shop.

A Facebook post about the closure said there have been no confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 among museum staff or visitors.

During the closure, the Harley-Davidson Museum website and social media channels will feature stories about the museum collection and Harley-Davidson history.

9:50 p.m. Colectivo selling food and beverages only 'to-go'

One of metro Milwaukee's popular coffee cafes, Colectivo, is closing all of it's in-cafe seating areas and selling food and beverages only "to-go" starting Monday.

Transactions for all take-out service will be cashless and touchless. Payment will be accepted by credit card, Apple Pay or the Colectivo app. There will be no swiping of Colectivo loyalty cards. Instead points can be gained through the app or by requesting a receipt and contacting the company later.

There are 13 Colectivo locations in southeastern Wisconsin.

- Meg Jones

9:40 p.m. Advocate Aurora Health hospitals and clinics adopt no-visitor policy

To prevent the spread of coronavirus, Advocate Aurora Health is restricting visitors from inpatient areas with a few exceptions.

The health care nonprofit serves nearly 3 million patients each year in Wisconsin and Illinois including hospitals and clinics in the metro Milwaukee area.

Sunday night Advocate Aurora Health issued new guidelines for its hospitals and clinics starting on Monday. No visitors will be allowed in any inpatient areas until further notice.

Exceptions include pediatric caregivers, partners and midwives of mothers in labor, end of life situations, companions for people in emergency departments and outpatient areas and professionals assigned to assist with procedures.

Visitors who meet those exceptions must pass health screenings at checkpoints in the medical facilities.

- Meg Jones

9:20 p.m. Green Bay suspends public transit

Green Bay is suspending all public transportation starting Monday until further notice.

Paratransit services will remain available for "all medically necessary trips," according to Green Bay Metro. Those riders should call 920-448-3185 to schedule trips.

Mayor Eric Genrich called the decision difficult in a Facebook post but said he believes it's the right move as officials emphasize social distancing and work to contain the spread of COVID-19. Genrich encouraged residents to help each other, particularly those who use public transit or are otherwise in need.

- Haley BeMiller

8:45p.m. CDC recommending 8-week ban on events with more than 50 people

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending an eight-week ban on events with 50 or more people.

New guidance issued Sunday night calls for organizers to cancel or postpone mass gatherings to include "conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies."

The recommendations do not apply to schools or businesses, the CDC noted.

That could mean severely abbreviated seasons for sports leagues and myriad events ranging from music festivals to weddings planned a year or more in advance.

8:15 p.m. Wauwatosa resident tests positive for coronavirus

A Wauwatosa resident who recently returned home from international travel has tested positive for coronavirus, the city's Health Department said Sunday evening.

When the person returned to the U.S. and experienced symptoms consistent with exposure to COVID-19, they went to a Milwaukee area hospital for testing. After the test, the person returned home and has remained under self-quarantine.

Wauwatosa Health Department officials are working to identify anyone who had close contact with the person so they can be monitored.

- Meg Jones