Rep. Meyers COVID-19 Update
Hello to all my constituents in the
74th Assembly District. This is an extraordinary time as we face the
COVID-19 outbreak head-on. As scary and uncertain as things are, these
past couple weeks have shown me the best in people. Health care
workers, public servants, employees at pharmacies and grocery stores,
and so many have been working tirelessly to keep us going, and I'm so
grateful.
At the same time, I hear from people around the district with
questions. The most common question I hear is, "What can I do to
help?" This shows the heart and compassion that surrounds us in
the Northland. We live in a truly special community.
I want to answer that and other questions with this brief overview in a
special edition of my newsletter. As always, feel free to reach out to
my office by email at rep.meyers@legis.wisconsin.gov
or call at (608) 266-7690 with any further questions.
In the meantime, stay safe, stay calm and stay informed.
Important note:
This information is relevant as of Friday, March 20th at 10 am. Things
are moving quickly and bound to change.
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COVID-19 is spreading quickly through
Wisconsin. Last Thursday, we had five confirmed cases. As of today,
Friday March 20th, there are 155 confirmed cases, including one in
Bayfield County.
This does not mean we should panic, but it does mean we need to work
together to slow the spread. We must wash our hands often, stay home
from work if sick, work from home if possible, and most importantly,
practice social distancing.
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This isn't going to be easy, but the
best thing we can do is slow the spread of the virus in order to not
overwhelm our health care system (see flattening the curve). Before you go
see a doctor, be sure to call first. As of this week, Governor Tony
Evers has ordered bars and restaurants to close dining rooms and
banned gatherings of more than 10 people (see order here).
In the meantime, if you want to find out more information, be careful
and use trusted sources. The absolute best information on COVID-19 can
be found at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention
and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
There is also great information to be found for all of the state of
Wisconsin agencies at the governors website, govstatus.egov.com.
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How to Help and Stay Sane
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As many people are struggling in this
epidemic, many others are asking how they can help. Here are some
things you can do:
- As I mentioned, social
distancing is the best thing you can do for yourself and your
community.
- You can donate to your
local food bank as many are overwhelmed at this time.
- Don't hoard if you
don't have to, especially essential items.
- Check out possible
volunteer opportunities with United Way.
- Check in with your
elderly or immuno-compromised friends, family and neighbors. Let
them know you're thinking of them.
- Find ways to support
your local business. One way is to get carry out from your
favorite restaurant (see a list of open restaurants here).
- If you or someone you
know is in distress, call or provide the number 1-800-985-5990 or
text TalkWithUs to 66746.
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Spring Election Updates and Deadlines
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Wisconsin's
Spring Election and Presidential Primary is still scheduled to be held
on Tuesday, April 7. Currently, the state is recommending that
Wisconsinites request absentee ballots to vote by mail ahead of
time.
In order to request a ballot by mail, please
visit myvote.wi.gov.
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If your workplace shuts down due to
COVID-19, you may be eligible to apply for unemployment benefits
through the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
Governor Evers has also issued an executive order
to waive work search requirements and modified the available
requirements for unemployment insurance benefits.
If you have any questions or would like to apply, please visit the DWD website here. They
have an incredibly comprehensive FAQ. Try your best to find the answers
on your own before calling as they are handling far more requests than
usual.
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Please be cautious online during the
COVID-19 public health emergency. Scammers are trying to take advantage
of the confusion and fear surrounding the pandemic and may try to take
advantage of you, your family members and your neighbors during this
emergency.
- Beware of phishing
email, phone calls and texts that request personal information
from you.
- Be wary of claims of
cures or special treatments. Always verify this information with
the Department of Health Services or the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention.
- Also be aware of
possible price gouging. Price gouging is generally illegal during
a pandemic, and wholesalers or retailers are prohibited from
selling consumer goods or services at prices that are more than
15% higher than pre-emergency prices.
- Please report all
possible scams to the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and
Consumer Protection at DATCPHotline@wisconsin.gov
or (800) 422-7128 or online here.
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Utilities Cut Off, Evictions and
Foreclosures
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The Public Service Commission of
Wisconsin (PSC) directed water, electric, and natural gas utilities to
cease disconnecting residential service for nonpayment until the state
public health emergency has been lifted. Additionally, utilities must
make reasonable attempts to reconnect service to homes that have been
disconnected. You can learn more here.
The Trump Administration has ordered foreclosures and evictions to be
held off until the end of April. See more information here.
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Small Business Administration Disaster
Loans
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Small businesses that have been
impacted by COVID-19 may qualify for Small Business Administration
(SBA) disaster loans. The US Small Business Administration (SBA) will
be providing disaster assistance loans to businesses who suffer
substantial economic injury due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United
States.
In order for a state to qualify for loans, its Governor must submit an
application directly to SBA documenting statewide examples of
businesses negatively impacted by the outbreak. Governor Evers’
administration is currently trying to gather as many documented cases
of businesses impacted as possible as part of its application to SBA.
Local economic development officials and businesses should work
directly with their regional WEDC economic development director to
document losses for the state’s application for SBA assistance. For
small businesses in Ashland, Bayfield, Iron, Price, Douglas and Sawyer
Counties, please reach out to Lance Ausing at lance.ausing@wedc.org or call
608.210.6824.
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Department of Transportation
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The Department of Transportation,
including the Division of Motor Vehicles across the state, have taken
some steps to combat COVID-19, including the following:
- DMVs will be
closed March 20th for deep cleaning. They will reopen
Monday, March 23 with limited in-person services, which will
include issuing new drivers license and IDs by appointment only.
- In the meantime, please take advantage of their extensive
online services.
- Driver licenses and
CDLs that expire during this public health emergency will be
automatically extended 60 days. Late fees will be waived. The
driver record, visible to law enforcement, will show the extension
and that the driver license is valid.
- All driver skills tests
are being cancelled as of March 18 until further notice.
- Customers are being
notified that Administrative Suspension hearings will be offered
by telephone (or paper), not in-person.
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Department of Natural Resources
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In light of COVID-19, the Department
of Natural Resources is closely following guidelines from the CDC and
DHS. However, all
state parks, forests and trails will remain open for public use with
voluntary entrance fees.
The DNR will take the following steps to ensure safety for all
parkgoers:
- All buildings at these
properties will be closed with the exception of some restroom
facilities.
- Entrance fees are
voluntary and park and trail passes will only be available at
self-registration or e-pay stations.
- All planned
events/activities will be canceled for the duration of the public
health emergency.
- All campground and all
shelter reservations are canceled through April 30, 2020. People
with current reservations will be contacted to reschedule or
refund their reservations.
- Counter service at all
DNR Service Centers have been temporarily suspended.
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Again, please reach out to my office
with any questions or concerns. Email me at rep.meyers@legis.wisconsin.gov
or call at (608) 266-7690.
We are all in this together, and I have great confidence that the
people of Wisconsin will rise and meet this challenge.
Be well, and thank you,
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