State opens two isolation facilities

Two state-run voluntary isolation facilities for those with COVID-19 opened Wednesday in Madison and Milwaukee.

The Lowell Center in Madison and a Super 8 hotel in Milwaukee will serve those with COVID-19 symptoms. They’ll need a referral from a medical provider or a public health official.

The expected length of stay will be about 14 days or 72 hours after symptoms dissipate. Those staying at the facilities will have wellness checks by phone every four hours during the day and, if needed, at night.

“These voluntary self-isolation sites help respond to the pandemic in two ways,” Gov. Tony Evers said in a statement. “First, they will provide a valuable resource for those who have mild symptoms of COVID-19, leaving valuable hospital space available for others who need it, and they also provide a safe place for people to stay so they don’t spread COVID-19 to others.”

Other state action on COVID-19:

• DHS said Tuesday there have been 1,351 positive COVID-19 tests and 17,375 negative tests in the state. The agency reported 16 deaths.
• The state received a second shipment of personal protective equipment from the Strategic National Stockpile, according to a statement from Evers on Tuesday night. The shipment includes 51,880 N95 respirators, 130,840 face/surgical masks, 23,400 face shields, 20,226 surgical gowns, 96 coveralls and 79,000 pairs of gloves. Evers also announced the delivery of the first round of supplies.
• Evers sent a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency asking President Donald Trump to issue a major disaster declaration for the entire state of Wisconsin.
• Evers issued an order suspending rules for the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families to help reduce the potential spread of COVID-19.
• Insurance Commissioner Mark Afable asked medical malpractice insurers to remove any barriers in issuing timely coverage to providers who are starting to use telehealth and providers who are temporarily authorized to offer care in the state.
• The Department of Financial Institutions urged investors to be on guard against an anticipated surge of fraudulent investment schemes, especially those related to federal relief payments. Attorney General Josh Kaul warned Wisconsinites about COVID-19 marketing scams.

Wisconsin Health News is removing the password on all stories related to the coronavirus. For the latest developments follow us on Twitter at @wihealthnews or check out our website. For complete healthcare coverage, sign up for a free trial to our daily email newsletter.