Wisconsin could use federal, state money to address coronavirus

Wisconsin could see a minimum of $10.2 million in additional federal funding to respond to the new coronavirus under bipartisan emergency funding approved by the House Wednesday, according to a statement.

The statement from U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., noted that the funding would be on top of $1 million in immediate assistance provided to Wisconsin by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday.

“We need to pass this legislation now so Wisconsin can scale up our response and protect public health,” Baldwin said in a statement.

The $8.3 billion package would provide nearly $1 billion to state, local and tribal governments to support surveillance, testing infection control and other public health preparedness.

It’d also provide more than $4 billion to make diagnostic tests more available, support treatment and invest in developing a vaccine for the virus, according to a statement from Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Green Bay.

“Our role here is not done, and we have to continue to aggressively do all we can to keep Americans safe,” he said in a statement.

Wisconsin could declare a public health emergency to use state resources to support the response if necessary, state health officials told lawmakers during a briefing on Wednesday.

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar declared a public health emergency in January for the entire country.

Some states, like Washington and Florida, have also declared emergencies, said Dr. Ryan Westergaard, a Department of Health Services chief medical officer.

Wisconsin last declared a public health emergency in response to the H1N1 influenza epidemic in 2009, he noted.

If Gov. Tony Evers declares the emergency, Wisconsin could use state money to support local health departments, including costs related to quarantine and isolation, he said.

“The state has not concluded that there is a need to declare a public health emergency at this time,” Westergaard said. “It’s important to note that this tool exists and DHS and the governor’s office will assess this authority if needed to protect the health of our citizens.”

DHS Secretary-designee Andrea Palm said they’re working around the clock to respond to the virus.

“The risk to the general public remains low at this time,” she said. “As the situation evolves, our guidance will evolve as well. So we ask folks to stay tuned.”

Wisconsin has had one confirmed case of the virus. Six test results were pending as of Wednesday afternoon. Twenty-six have been under investigation, including 19 negative tests.