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:Wednesday's coronavirus updates

Blog Recap: Monday's coronavirus updates

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

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9:15 p.m.: Fresh Fin Poke provides free meals to students

Fresh Fin Poke is providing free lunch so kids don't go hungry while their schools are closed.

The restaurant is offering grab-and-go bowls of chicken, rice, sauce and vegetables to K-12 students who typically receive free or reduced lunch. The meals are available from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at Fresh Fin Poke, 1806 E. North Ave.

School districts around the state are working to continue providing meals for students who rely on them. Milwaukee Public Schools, for example, is giving out meals for district students at 20 locations from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Educational materials also are available. For a list of locations, click here.

— Ashley Luthern

8:30 p.m.: Two flights diverted to Milwaukee from Chicago Midway

Flights were diverted to Milwaukee Tuesday evening from Chicago Midway Airport after the air traffic control tower was temporarily closed after workers had tested positive for the coronavirus.

Two flights were diverted to Mitchell International Airport as a result, said Christie Green, spokeswoman for the Milwaukee airport.

The Federal Aviation Agency has since limited access to the Midway tower and instituted a ground delay, which applies to any flight headed for the Chicago airport that has not yet left.

Although Midway remained open late Tuesday, operations will be limited until further notice, according to the Chicago Department of Aviation.

Travelers were encouraged to check with airlines for updated flight information.

— Ashley Luthern

6:30 p.m.: Manufacturer to halt production

Douglas Dynamics, the world's largest manufacturer of snow and ice control equipment, will temporarily close all U.S. locations starting Wednesday.

The company makes plows and salt spreaders and employs more than 1,600 people nationwide, including nearly 300 at its Milwaukee headquarters.

The company plans to reopen facilities March 30. All permanent employees will continue to make their regular base pay during the shutdown, according to a news release Tuesday.

The company is not aware of any employee at any facility that has tested positive for COVID-19.

“We are taking these precautionary measures to protect the health and safety of our employees, which will always be our number one priority," said CEO Bob McCormick in a news release.

— Ashley Luthern

6 p.m.: Richfield launches 'Drive Through Absentee Voting'

Village staff consulted with the Wisconsin Elections Commission and confirmed the process complies with state law, according to a news release Tuesday.

The village already has received nearly 600 requests for absentee ballots.

"While we may not be as efficient as a car wash or McDonald's, these efforts ... will reduce the pedestrian foot traffic in Village Hall and at our polling location on Election Day, making our community safer," Village Administrator Jim Healy said in the news release.

Residents will be able to drive to Village Hall, 4128 Hubertus Road, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. next Monday through Friday, with the exception of Thursday, when hours are extended until 6 p.m.

The drive-thru will continue from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. the following week, except for April 3 when the service closes at 5 p.m.

— Ashley Luthern

5:45 p.m.: Washington County resident has coronavirus

A resident of Washington County has been infected with the coronavirus, officials said.

The case was not included in a statewide total of 72 COVID-19 cases health officials reported Tuesday.

The person is isolated and following recommendations from the Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department after testing positive, the department said in a news release.

The department is creating a list of people who had close contact with the patient.

— Sophie Carson

5:30 p.m.: UWM employee has coronavirus

A University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee employee has been infected with the coronavirus, the school said.

It will close access to much of the campus, including the Klotsche Center, and move most employee operations online by noon tomorrow.

"Like all large institutions in Milwaukee, we expect to have more cases confirmed in the coming days," the school said in a statement.

— Sophie Carson

5:05 p.m.: State order prompts changes to public meetings

Milwaukee's Common Council meetings likely will take place via online video conferencing in the wake of the state order banning most gatherings of 10 people or more.

Although council members likely will not be physically present at City Hall, essential staff members will be there, according to a city news release. Members of the media will not be granted access.

Council committees, which are smaller groups, will take place in person with priority given to people deemed necessary to meeting business, the release said. Reporters will be allowed to attend as space permits.

All council proceedings air live on the City Channel on Spectrum Cable Channel 25 and U-Verse Channel 99. Meetings also are streamed online at Milwaukee.gov/channel25.

— Ashley Luthern

5 p.m.: Planning continues for 2020 DNC in Milwaukee

The country may be gripped by the coronavirus pandemic, but planning remains underway for Milwaukee to host the 2020 Democratic National Convention.

Just how such a large-scale event will be pulled off is still unclear. Up to 50,000 visitors are expected for the event, July 13-16.

The Milwaukee 2020 host committee issued a statement Tuesday to discuss its approach to staging the political spectacle.

“Ensuring the safety of the Milwaukee community and convention attendees is, and always will be, the top priority of the Host Committee and Democratic National Convention Committee,” the statement said. “As we continue to monitor this developing situation, our teams will remain in constant communication with the local, state, and federal officials responsible for protecting public health and security, and we will follow their guidance as we move forward.

“That said, we also remain focused on hosting a successful convention in July and highlighting the incredible people, places, and other attributes that make Milwaukee such a special place to live and visit.”

The statement said, “Every decision made by the Host Committee and Democratic National Convention Committee will consider the health, safety, and well-being of all those involved.

“Our thoughts are with the families and communities struggling through this illness and with those grieving the loss of loved ones. Our gratitude is with those who are working around the clock to contain this virus.

“Stay safe, take care of one another, and stay tuned for future updates regarding our convention plans.”

Also, staff is still on the job, but working remotely.

“Our office will begin teleworking this week in an effort to support the health and wellbeing of our team and community members,” said Katie Peters, senior director of communications for the Democratic National Convention Committee.

— Bill Glauber

4:51 p.m. Officials tally 40 coronavirus cases in Milwaukee County

Milwaukee officials said that the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the county is at 40, with 13 in the city and 27 in the surrounding suburbs.

State health officials had said early Tuesday afternoon that there were 24 cases in Milwaukee County, but Milwaukee officials gave the 40-cases figure during a call with media after the state update had concluded.

Milwaukee Health Commissioner Jeanette Kowalik said results can come in after the state provides its update earlier in the day.

Ben Weston, medical services director for Milwaukee County’s Office of Emergency Management, said officials are working to set up remote testing areas that will be open to the public. There would be specific criteria for who would receive a test, he said.

— Alison Dirr

4:45 p.m.: All ICE detainees moved from Kenosha County Jail

All 170 Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees being held at the Kenosha County Jail have been moved elsewhere, Sheriff David Beth said.

"ICE detainees have come into the U.S. from around the world and the risks for bringing in new detainees to our jail facilities are far too great at this time,” Beth said in a news release Tuesday.

Sheriff's Sgt. David Wright said because of the concerns, his office notified ICE on Friday that it would not take any more new ICE detainees. He said that seemed to upset ICE officials, who said they would then remove all the detainees who were already in Kenosha. The detainees were bused out Sunday, he said.

Wright said the departure of the ICE detainees reduced the Kenosha County Jail population from around 800 to about 630, freeing up space for increased social distancing within the facility.

— Bruce Vielmetti

4:30 p.m.: Racine County suspends jury duty, closes golf courses and dog parks

Racine County officials have closed all non-essential functions at county buildings and suspended jury service through April 12.

Jurors should not report to the courthouse and will have their term rescheduled, officials said in a news release Tuesday.

The county also has closed county-owned golf courses, including Ives Grove and Browns Lake, and dog parks.

So far, Racine County has had one confirmed case of COVID-19.

— Ashley Luthern

4:15 p.m.: Most tenants at Corners of Brookfield shopping center will close

The Corners of Brookfield is closing all “non-essential retail tenants” temporarily on March 17 at 6 p.m., through March 29.

Tenants that provide essential public services, including grocery stores and restaurants that offer take out and delivery service, will remain open. This includes Sendik’s Food Market, Wisconsin Vision and several restaurants for curbside pick-up and delivery.

— Evan Casey

4 p.m.: Sendik's sets aside time for at-risk shoppers

Sendik's Food Market is reserving an hour-long block of time for customers ages 60 and up and those with compromised immune systems to shop.

The company, which operates 17 locations across the Milwaukee area, asked anyone who is healthy and not at-risk to avoid shopping from 7 to 8 a.m. daily.

"Now, more than ever, we want to make sure that all of our customers feel safe when shopping for groceries," reads a Facebook post from the company.

— Sophie Carson

3:30 p.m. Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee suspends public worship indefinitely

In a letter to the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee, Bishop of Milwaukee Steven Miller directed the clergy and churches of the Diocese of Milwaukee to suspend public worship indefinitely.

Miller said he’d reassess the situation on March 31.

“We fully expect that this closure will remain in effect through Holy Week and Easter, and that our traditional gatherings for that season will be canceled or postponed until the time of social distancing can be ended,” Miller said.

— Evan Casey

3:15 p.m. Archbishop to visit churches, pray for healing

Archbishop Jerome Listecki will celebrate a private mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist at 9 a.m. Wednesday & then travel to 11 locations across the Archdiocese of Milwaukee to pray for healing & protection for those affected by coronavirus, officials say.

The blessing is scheduled for the first day that public masses will be suspended.

While the services will be closed to the public, church officials said that Listecki wants to stress the power of prayer.

9 a.m. – The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist

Racine Deanery – St. Lucy Parish, Racine

Kenosha Deanery – St. Anne Parish, Pleasant Prairie

Walworth Deanery – Immaculate Conception/St. Mary, Burlington

Waukesha West Deanery – St. Leonard Parish, Muskego

Waukesha East Deanery – St. John Vianney Parish, Brookfield

Dodge/Washington Deanery – St. Peter Parish, Slinger

Fond du Lac/Sheboygan Deanery – St. John the Baptist Parish, Plymouth

Ozaukee/Milw NE Deanery – St. Monica Parish, Whitefish Bay

Milwaukee NW Deanery – Christ King Parish, Wauwatosa

Milwaukee SE Deanery – Blessed Sacrament Parish, Milwaukee

Milwaukee SW Deanery – St. John the Baptist Parish, Greenfield

— Mary Spicuzza

3:10 p.m. UW-Madison moves classes online for rest of semester

University of Wisconsin-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank announced Tuesday that the campus will stay online for the rest of the spring semester, including finals.

Classes will move online beginning March 23, after the end of spring break.

In an email to campus, Blank requested that students who decided to get away from Madison for break "carefully consider whether they need to return to Madison or can continue the semester from their permanent residence."

Students who don't have access to internet or cannot return home can stay on campus. Limited dining options will be available.

Read the full story here.

— Devi Shastri

3:05 p.m.: Concert canceled? Here are tips to get refunds

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is reminding consumers of their right to a refund given the mass number of cancellations because of COVID-19.

Ticket purchases must show must present their tickets to the promoter no later than 90 days after the event is canceled, and a promoter must get the refund no later than 60 days from then, according to the agency.

If an event is rescheduled and a ticket holder still wants a refund, they have 30 days to present the tickets to the promoter for a refund.

Some part of the cost may not be subject to a refund, such as handling or service charges, charges for parking and any charitable donation. State law does not cover refunds for competitive sports between schools or established sports team, though many have offered refunds related to coronavirus cancellations.

More tips and resources are available at www.datcp.wi.gov.

— Ashley Luthern

3 p.m. Community spread confirmed, case total up to 72

Health officials have lost track of how the coronavirus is spreading in Dane, Milwaukee and Kenosha counties, they announced Tuesday.

State health officials had announced Monday that community spread — which occurs when the origin of the virus can't be traced to travel history or previous contact with a confirmed case — was "likely" in the state.

Tuesday brought confirmation, along with 25 new cases, bringing the state's total to 72.

There were 24 confirmed cases in Milwaukee County, 19 in Dane County, 11 in Fond du Lac County, four each in Kenosha and Waukesha counties, three each in Sheboygan and Winnebago counties, and one each in Outagamie, Pierce, Racine and Wood counties. Only one, a Dane County resident, had recovered.

And Gov. Tony Evers said the state will ban gatherings of 10 or more people, effective 5 p.m. Tuesday, to slow the spread, including closing bars and restaurants except for delivery and takeout.

Evers last week closed all public and private schools in the state until at least April 6. He said Tuesday that reopening was now "indefinite," because it wasn't known if April 6 was realistic.

Read more here.

— Madeline Heim

2:45 p.m.: Pfister Hotel donates food from canceled events to United Way

Coronavirus concerns have canceled many banquets, conferences and other events with catered meals, but that doesn't mean the food is going to waste.

The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, for example, has donated food from canceled events to United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County Agencies. The United Way is distributing the food to partner agencies Tuesday afternoon.

— Ashley Luthern

2:28 p.m.: Sen. Ron Johnson not concerned about being in Capitol. 'This place is a ghost town'

While some senators have suggested changing the way they meet and vote to minimize the spread of coronavirus in the Capitol, Republican Ron Johnson of Wisconsin said in an interview Tuesday he was not concerned right now about being in the Capitol complex.

“For one thing, there’s not much contact with others. This place is a ghost town,” Johnson said.

“We sent basically all of our staff home ... people are still working (thanks to) the beauty of the internet,” said Johnson, who was interviewed over the phone from his Senate office, where the only other staffer in the office was his chief of staff, he said, and “we are keeping our distance.”

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell suggested Tuesday there would be no move toward remote voting by senators, according to media reports, saying roll calls could be managed over longer time windows in smaller groups to minimize risk.

— Craig Gilbert

2:16 p.m.: Wisconsin students may not have to take spring assessment tests

Wisconsin students may not have to complete the annual spring assessment known as the Forward Exam this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

A spokesman for the state Department of Public Instruction said Tuesday that the agency is “aggressively pursuing a waiver” with the U.S. Department of Education that would exempt it from mandated assessments.

“It is becoming increasingly clear that the department will not be able to complete testing this year,” DPI spokesman Chris Bucher said in an email to the Journal Sentinel. “

Starting Wednesday, more than 1 million Wisconsin students will be out of school at least through early April, after Gov. Tony Evers last week issued a statewide shutdown of schools.

He said DPI will work with Gov. Tony Evers and the Legislature around issues related to any exemption, including the potential impact such a change would have on the state’s annual school report cards.

There are already wide disparities in the academic performance of students, particularly along racial and socioeconomic lines. And any extended break in which students receive varying levels of academic support would likely exacerbate those disparities, educators have said.

- Annysa Johnson

2 p.m. More Milwaukee County communities issue orders to close restaurants, bars

Hours after 11 Milwaukee County communities issued orders to close restaurants and bars with the exception of carryout, delivery and curbside service, four more municipalities are following suit.

The health departments in Greenfield, Oak Creek, Wauwatosa and West Allis have issued a closure of in-house dining for all bars and restaurants beginning at 2 p.m. Tuesday.

The closures for the other communities went into effect at 2:01 a.m. Tuesday.

Read more here.

- Christopher Kuhagen

12:29 p.m. Community spread confirmed in Dane County

Local health officials announced Tuesday that there are documented cases of the new coronavirus spreading through community transmission in Dane County.

Seventeen people in Dane County have been diagnosed with COVID-19, according to a news release, and no patients are hospitalized at this time.

Community spread occurs when the origin of the virus cannot be traced to travel history or previous contact with a confirmed case. State health officials announced Monday that this type of transmission was "likely" in the state, but did not say where.

There is an "urgent" need for people to stay home and practice social distancing now that community transmission has occurred, Tuesday's news release said.

Director of Public Health Madison & Dane County Janel Heinrich said in the release that orders to limit public gatherings to under 50 people may need to be amended to be "more restrictive" as the situation evolves.

— Madeline Heim

12:26 p.m. Sen. Baldwin calls on Senate to pass coronavirus legislation

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin is calling for the U.S. Senate to immediately pass coronavirus response legislation.

"This is an urgent public health emergency and the Senate needs to take action to support Wisconsin families, workers and small businesses," she said in a Tuesday statement. "We need to pass legislation that provides free testing for everyone who needs a test so cost is not a barrier."

Baldwin, a Democrat from Madison, said that small and medium-sized businesses also need financial help to "provide workers with emergency paid family leave, including paid sick leave."

In addition, Baldwin called on the federal government to provide states with more resources in order to expand unemployment benefits, increase funding for nutrition assistance and food security programs, and "do more to help Wisconsin provide health care services through Medicaid as our state faces increased costs.”

- Mary Spicuzza

12:13 p.m.: Sen. Johnson says relief package is 'probably going to have to be something big

After meeting with Treasury Sec. Steven Mnuchin and other GOP senators Monday night, Senate Republican Ron Johnson of Wisconsin said he is reserving judgment on the massive stimulus plan the White House is proposing while he lobbies for his own ideas about how to best help workers and businesses.

“I am not denying the fact we need to do something and it’s probably going to have to be something big. But If it’s going to be something big, I’d rather do it far more efficiently than just massive amounts (and) kind of throwing it at the problem,” Johnson said in an interview Tuesday before heading into another lunch meeting with GOP senators planning to hear more from Mnuchin.

Johnson opposes the paid leave provisions on the relief bill passed overwhelmingly by the House early Saturday morning, saying the bill incentivizes employers to lay off workers. He contends the better way to support workers who are staying at home is through the state unemployment system, with added federal contributions.

Johnson also argued in the interview that the best way to help businesses is to delay their required tax payments, and to provide credit “through the Fed to private banks to be making loans to businesses they know” that are backed by government loan guarantees.

Johnson said of the unfolding White House plan, reported to have a price tag of more than $800 billion, “I’ll reserve my judgment until I really understand what they are talking about in detail.”

- Craig Gilbert

11:50 a.m. State Patrol to help with test delivery

Because of the growing need for coronavirus test kits in Wisconsin, State Patrol troopers are helping deliver kits and samples.

Courier services associated with hospitals and the state Hygiene Lab are the first point of contact to transport test kits and samples to their destinations. But the State Patrol is preparing for the possibility that these “first tier” couriers could become overwhelmed as the number of people sickened by the coronavirus surges in Wisconsin.

The State Patrol is already helping deliver kits – on Saturday a trooper picked up a test sample at a nursing home and delivered it to the Hygiene Lab in Madison. If a testing facility cannot transport a kit or sample, the request is being forwarded to the State Patrol representative at the State Emergency Operations Center.

On Monday the State Emergency Operations Center ramped up to Level 1 activation, the highest-alert state officials can be on during an event that affects the entire state. It's the first time a Level 1 response has been called for in response to a health-related event in Wisconsin.

- Meg Jones

10:57 a.m.: Newsmaker Luncheons canceled

Newsmaker Luncheons with state Sen. Lena Taylor, who is running for Milwaukee mayor, and incumbent Mayor Tom Barrett have been canceled.

The luncheons, hosted by the Milwaukee Press Club, WisPolitics.com and the Rotary Club of Milwaukee, were to take place on Wednesday with Taylor and on March 25 with Barrett.

10:39 a.m.: Marcus Theatres remain open for now

Marcus Theatres Corp.'s cinemas remain open with limited seating as of Tuesday morning, but a complete shutdown is likely in the works.

Marcus Theatres, the fourth-largest theater circuit in the United States, and the largest circuit in Wisconsin, on Monday said it was cutting seating capacity in half to create social distancing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Asked Tuesday morning if Marcus Theatres would be shutting down, Mari Randa, the circuit's director of marketing, communications and studio relations, responded:

"Things have been very fluid during this unprecedented situation," Randa said. "We are working through the decision and will have an update at noon today."

Randa declined to elaborate.

Marcus Theatres owns or operates 1,106 screens at 91 locations in 17 states under the Marcus Theatres, Movie Tavern by Marcus and BistroPlex brands. That includes 295 screens at 24 locations throughout Wisconsin.

10:26 a.m.: Blood supply may reach crisis level as blood drives are canceled

With the COVID-19 pandemic mounting, Wisconsin began to see worrisome shortages of vital health supplies -- everything from testing equipment to blood itself.

The American Red Cross announced that the cancelation of blood drives across the country has resulted in 86,000 fewer blood donations at a time when doctors and patients need it most.

The Red Cross urged people to schedule appointments to give blood by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, using the Red Cross Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. Donors can also enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

The Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin is reporting "the blood supply may soon enter a crisis phase due to concernes related to coronavirus."

The Blood Center is holding a press conference Wednesday, but released a statement saying, "With dozens of community blood drives now canceled -- thousands of blood donations are lost. The blood drives previously scheduled at Wisconsin high schools, universities and many community organizations, are now indefinitely postponed.

"The impact on hospitals and patients will be devastating without the support of blood donations."

Despite the cancellation of many elective surgeries, many patients require blood -- especially cancer and trauma patients."

- Mark Johnson

10:03 a.m.: Two Milwaukee County Executive debates canceled

The coronavirus pandemic has effectively frozen in-person campaigning in the race for Milwaukee County Executive.

State Sen. Chris Larson and state Rep. David Crowley were due to debate twice Tuesday – in an afternoon forum at the Rotary Club of Milwaukee and a later joint appearance at the studios of WTMJ-TV (Channel 4).

Both events were canceled.

- Bill Glauber

March 17, 9:45 a.m.: Salvation Army opens new food pantry in response to crisis

Salvation Army of Milwaukee County has opened a new food pantry at 5880 N 60th St. Choice Food Pantry will be open from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 3 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, 12:30 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 3 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays.

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

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