MILWAUKEE — As coronavirus forces the cancellation of social gatherings nationwide, Milwaukee's Wisconsin Center District is preparing to host tens-of-thousands of people at various events happening over the weekend.
Over the next four days, a basketball game and concert are scheduled at UW Panther Arena, A volleyball tournament will be held in the convention center, and a conference is being held at Miller High-Life Theater.
"We are being as aggressive as we can with cleaning our public spaces," said Sarah Maio, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Wisconsin Center District.
With events booked at all three of the Wisconsin Center District's facilities this weekend, the threat of coronavirus (COVID-19) is top of mind.
"We have been, for weeks, preparing for what we are hearing globally," said Maio.
Maio says crews are aggressively and rigorously disinfecting facilities multiple times each day, working to lessen the risk to the thousands of visitors they will serve over the next few days.
"We are spaces for big awesome public events, and so knowing that we really take this COVID-19 topic very seriously," said Maio.
Staff also doubled the number of hand sanitizing stations and has posted guidance from the CDC, suggesting best practices for avoiding the spread of germs.
"The guidance that we receive from the state, federal, and local partners is absolutely lighting our way toward the path that we need to take next," said Maio.
A team of people upping protocols as events are canceled worldwide.
"If an event chooses to postpone their event, it will certainly have an impact on others around us. It really is a ripple effect," said Maio.
The impact would be on area restaurants, bars, and hotels.
Meanwhile, with all events set to go on as planned, staying clear of visitor restrictions or cancellations, Wisconsin Center District staff continues to monitor the rapidly spreading virus.