We are learning the state is preparing for a potential surge of COVID-19 cases in Milwaukee County with field hospitals and isolation centers.
Milwaukee County has the most COVID-19 cases and deaths.
TMJ4's Charles Benson talked with Governor Tony Evers about the state's plan.
Benson: Are you preparing right now to open field hospitals and isolation centers in Milwaukee County?
Gov. Evers: We are preparing for it, absolutely.
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The Wisconsin Center tells us the Wisconsin Army Corps of Engineers visited their facility Monday, and State Fair Park says it has been talking with "multiple entities regarding COVID-19 emergency preparedness planning," but neither said in what capacity.
Evers: I feel confident once a decision is made to do this - they are looking at sites, I'm not at liberty to tell you what sites but I know they are looking. We will be prepared when that surge happens.
Benson: What kind of numbers do you have to see to activate this plan?
Evers: When we see our hospitals overrun - at this point in time, I don't think that is happening.
The governor says the state is actively seeking more PPE's, personal protection equipment, and ventilators - but as you can imagine, the line is long, and there's lots of competition.
Benson: You have asked for 10,000 ventilators is that a worst-case scenario, or have the hospitals asked for that many?
Evers: We believe that is a worst-case scenario, but we want to make sure - there's a line up for the ventilators.
Wisconsin currently has about 1,200 ventilators.
Benson: Wisconsin is a manufacturing state - can they be made here?
Evers: We are investigating that - there's always that possibility.
As for when K-12 schools will re-open or permanently close - it's still undetermined.
"There will be no school before the (April) 30th, that's for sure," said Evers. But at that point in time, we will take a look at it and consult with our school districts."