MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers has ordered flags at half staff in honor of the more than 6,300 Wisconsin residents and half a million Americans who have died due to COVID-19.
In effect simultaneously with President Joe Biden's order, flags must be lowered to half staff in Wisconsin effective immediately and will end at sunset Friday, Feb. 26.
“With heavy hearts, we join our fellow Wisconsinites and Americans who are mourning the loss of someone they love and who, amid unimaginable challenges, have had to endure unfathomable grief this past year," according to a statement credited to Gov. Evers. "We must reaffirm our resolve to prevent further spread of COVID-19, save lives, and to defeat this pandemic together."
The executive order comes days after Assembly Speaker Robin Vos called for flags to be flown at half staff in honor of radio personality and conservative icon Rush Limbaugh, who passed away last week.
The U.S. has recorded the highest death toll due to the coronavirus in the world. Globally, at least 2.4 million people have died from the virus since the pandemic began.