COVID-19 Pandemic Update for the Afternoon of April 7th: Election Day
Tuesday, April 7th, 2020 -- 1:55 PM
COVID-19 UpdateApril 7th, Afternoon
We have a COVID-19 update for you this afternoon.
Taking a look at the state numbers as of this afternoon, the state has 28,512 negative tests, 2,578 positive cases and 92 deaths. Of the positive cases, 745, or 29%, have been hospitalized. Clark County has 7 positive cases and 84 negative. For our neighboring counties, Chippewa has 16 positive cases and 445 negative cases, Eau Claire has 21 positive cases and 895 negative, Jackson has 4 positive and 84 negative, Wood has 2 positive and 229 negative, Marathon has 12 positive and 308 negative and Taylor still has no positive cases and 48 negative.
Just a reminder that the election is going on today. Some things to know before you head to the polls. Many polling locations had to be condensed around the state because of a lack of workers, so if your usual polling place is closed, you may need to check with local clerks to see where your polling place is located. Try to maintain social distancing while at the polls, practice good hygiene by using hand sanitizers and wear a mask, even a home made one, if possible. Also, on Monday the U.S. supreme court overturned a federal judge's decision to extend absentee voting. That means absentee ballots must be postmarked by today, in order to be counted. Those mailed ballots must arrive at a municipal location no later than April 13 at 4 p.m. Absentee ballots postmarked after April 7th will not count. You can turn in your absentee ballot in person at your polling place until 8 p.m. today. If you requested an absentee ballot, but have not yet received it in the mail and you want to vote, you must vote in person at your polling place today by 8 p.m. As for results, they will not be released today. The Wisconsin Election Commission said results will be released next Monday, April 13 after 4 p.m. For more information about your polling place, go to myvote.wi.gov
Again, Wisconsin is under a “Safer at Home” order, which askses all residents to avoid unnecessary travel. You can still go to the grocery store or pharmacy, get gas, get dinner from a local business, work in the yard, walk the dog, ride a bike, etc.; just practice social distancing when you do so.
Finally, as we continue to mention, people need to take this seriously. This falls on all of us. If people don’t take this seriously, things are going to get much worse. Our numbers are climbing, but state officials have said that things would be much worse if the governor hadn’t issued the “Safer at Home” order. The methods are working. We just need to keep following the guidance of the CDC and the state so we can get Wisconsin back open for business and get things back to normal. But you must take this seriously. We must put aside petty partisan politics and work together. This is a trying time, but we will get through it with the right mindset and if we work together and help each other along during these difficult times. If there’s anything we can do at Central Wisconsin Broadcasting to help, please reach out. We have many resources available to you on our website and Facebook page and were happy to answer your questions. If we can’t, we can put you in touch with someone that can. But above all, stay calm, buy your groceries one week at a time like always and take care of yourself.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.