Wisconsin Only Has One More Metric to Hit In Order to Transition Into Phase I of the Badger Bounce Back Plan
Wednesday, May 13th, 2020 -- 10:24 AM
(WKOW) -Wisconsin took two more steps Tuesday toward meeting five of the six criteria needed in order to move out of the "Safer at Home" restrictions and into Phase One of the "Badger Bounce Back," according to the Department of Health Services.According to WKOW, the latest testing data from DHS revealed four percent of the tests processed Tuesday came back positive; that was the smallest positive test rate in the last 14 days and continued a downward trajectory, which is one of the criteria outlined by DHS. The downward trend of positive test rate over the last two weeks is one of the five criteria Wisconsin has now met according to DHS. The rest includes 95 percent of hospitals saying they are able to treat all patients without having to go into crisis mode and can test any staff members who display symptoms. The downward trajectory of positive cases also applies to the rate among health care workers, another one of the criteria. The one remaining target is for a 14-day downward trend of flu-like illnesses. DHS Deputy Secretary Julie Willems Van Dijk said during a conference call with reporters Tuesday the recent progress compelled health authorities to reopen nonessential retail stores on Monday. Once the state hits all six criteria, and hires the additional 1,000 contract tracers it seeks, DHS said that will mark the end of "Safer at Home" and a transition into Phase One of the "Badger Bounce Back" plan.
Under Phase One, the state will allow public gatherings of as many as 10 people. Restaurants would open under "best practices," which the state has yet to specify, and K-12 schools and child care centers would be able to reopen as well. Melissa Baldauff, a spokeswoman for Governor Tony Evers, told 27 News Tuesday evening the governor's office is in the process of getting ready for a move into Phase One. Under the "Badger Bounce Back" plan, the state advises people older than 60 years old to keep staying home during Phase One. It also encourages residents to continue their work and education from remote locations when possible.
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