MADISON, Wis. -- Two more cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Wisconsin, according to the state Department of Health Services, bringing the current total of active cases to seven.
Both new cases are in Dane County, and both had contact with the previous Dane County case that was reported earlier this week. Both patients remain at home.
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Outside of the two new cases, we know there are two additional active cases in Fond du Lac County, and one each in Waukesha, Dane, and Pierce Counties.
One other patient in Dane County has since tested positive and recovered from the disease.
“This brings the total of confirmed cases to seven in just one week. As we see more cases, we remain vigilant in our efforts to prevent the spread of infection to others in the community," said State Health Officer Jeanne Ayers. “These cases should serve to remind all of us about the importance of social distancing and maintaining good hygiene to prevent the spread of the disease.”
Earlier Thursday, Gov. Tony Evers declared a public health emergency over the spreading pandemic.
The declaration will direct the Department of Health Services (DHS) to use "all the resources necessary" to contain the outbreak, according to a news release from the governor's office.
“We have been working aggressively to slow the spread of COVID-19, and this declaration allows us to get the resources we need to continue to be proactive when it comes to protecting Wisconsinites,” said Gov. Evers. “It is the latest step in the work our state agencies have been doing around the clock with our health care partners to prepare for the possibility of COVID-19 becoming a global pandemic.”
The governor signed an executive order Thursday that will allow DHS to "purchase, store, or distribute appropriate medications, regardless of insurance or health coverage, as needed to respond to the emergency," the news release says.
The order also authorizes state funds to support local health departments with costs associated with isolation and quarantine - as well as the use of the Wisconsin National Guard.
“This can be a frightening time, but our state has incredible health professionals who are working to contain the spread,” Gov. Evers said. “We cannot do this alone, we need all hands on deck to protect the public from COVID-19.”
Wisconsin also has 37 residents returning to the state from the Princess Cruise Ship, the governor's office says. Those residents may need to be self-quarantined for two weeks, the news release says.
Health officials also reiterated that residents should take simple steps to help prevent the spread of coronavirus:
- Frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water.
- Covering coughs and sneezes.
- Avoiding touching your face.
- Staying home when sick.