MADISON, Wis. -- Gov. Tony Evers has declared a public health emergency in Wisconsin in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The declaration will direct the Department of Health Services (DHS) to use "all the resources necessary" to contain the outbreak, according to a news release from the governor's office.



“We have been working aggressively to slow the spread of COVID-19, and this declaration allows us to get the resources we need to continue to be proactive when it comes to protecting Wisconsinites,” said Gov. Evers. “It is the latest step in the work our state agencies have been doing around the clock with our health care partners to prepare for the possibility of COVID-19 becoming a global pandemic.”

The governor signed an executive order Thursday that will allow DHS to "purchase, store, or distribute appropriate medications, regardless of insurance or health coverage, as needed to respond to the emergency," the news release says.

Three more people test positive for coronavirus in Wisconsin, bringing total to five active cases

The order also authorizes state funds to support local health departments with costs associated with isolation and quarantine - as well as the use of the Wisconsin National Guard.

“This can be a frightening time, but our state has incredible health professionals who are working to contain the spread,” Gov. Evers said. “We cannot do this alone, we need all hands on deck to protect the public from COVID-19.”

Over the last few days, Wisconsin has seen its number of detected active cases rise to 7. Three in Dane County, two in Fond du Lac County, and one each in Waukesha and Pierce Counties. Wisconsin also has 37 residents returning to the state from the Princess Cruise Ship, the governor's office says. Those residents may need to be self-quarantined for two weeks, the news release says.

Health officials also reiterated that residents should take simple steps to help prevent the spread of coronavirus:



Frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water.

Covering coughs and sneezes.

Avoiding touching your face.

Staying home when sick.

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