Dear Friends,

I hope you are well. Breaking news: Governor Evers issued a statewide mask mandate. On Thursday, the governor declared another health emergency starting Saturday that requires everyone over the age of five to wear a mask. You can read more about the order here.

While we are seeing an uptick in COVID-19 cases in our state, there is also a growing number of unreported negative tests. According to my colleague, Senator Steve Nass, the backlog is around 30,000 negative cases in Dane and Waukesha Counties alone. I continue to monitor the spread in our state and am grateful for the work being done to ensure we have the most accurate and up-to-date data as possible.

It's also important to note our state is doing much better than any other Midwest state in an important category. When comparing deaths per 100,000 people, Wisconsin is ranked last in the Midwest. Michigan is seeing 64 deaths per 100,000; Illinois 60, Indiana 43; Ohio and Minnesota 29; Iowa 27; and Wisconsin is last at 16 deaths per 100,000.

This doesn't mean COVID-19 isn't dangerous or that we should not continue taking necessary precautions to protect ourselves and our neighbors. It does, however, show that our state is doing well compared to our neighbors in treating patients and preventing deaths. You can see how our area is doing in other metrics below.

As always, if you have any concerns or ideas on how to improve our great state, please do not hesitate to contact me by phone at 608-266-5830 or by email at Sen.Darling@legis.wisconsin.gov.

On, Wisconsin!
COVID-19 Cases in Our Area
The table above contains data reported on July 29, 2020 from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services on coronavirus cases in our area.
COVID-19 Testing Available
Update on Local Safer at Home Orders
Several of our area communities have some restrictions in place. Here is a summary of where those orders stand.

Washington and Ozaukee Counties have lifted their lock down of long-term care facilities.

Suburban Milwaukee County: (Includes Bayside, Brown Deer, Fox Point, Glendale, River Hills, Whitefish Bay)
  • The area remains in Phase C with the following restrictions:
  • Gatherings limited to 50 people
  • Masks are required at all Milwaukee County facilities
  • Child Care to follow DCF guidelines
  • Retail occupancy limited to 50% of capacity
  • Restaurants and Bars occupancy limited to 75% of capacity
  • Gyms occupancy limited to 50% of capacity
  • Places of Worship Follow guidelines of faith-based leadership organization 
  • Phase C will last at least 14 days and the next stage will begin if gating measures (PPE, hospital capacity, testing, tracing, etc.) are met.

Brown Deer is recommending residents wear masks in public, but are not mandating it.

  • Requires anyone five years and older to wear a mask in indoor, public spaces
  • People with health exclusions are exempt from the mask mandate
  • Businesses have the right to refuse customers who refuse to comply
  • Violators are subject to fines ranging from $50 to $500
  • Business owners may lose operating licenses



  • The city of Milwaukee instituted a mandatory mask policy.
  • Everyone three years of old and up must:
  • Wear a mask inside public places
  • Wear a mask if within six feet of a non-family/household member when outside
  • "Moving Milwaukee Forward" mirrors Governor Evers’ "Safer at Home" order with no end date.
  • The city is currently in Phase 4.
  • Bars and restaurants may open at 50% of capacity.
  • Stores are allowed to be at 75% of capacity.
  • Click here for more information.

Glendale is requiring masks in public places, but is not penalizing people for not complying.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has issued new guidelines for outdoor nursing home visitations. You can read those recommendations here. (third tab down)

Check with your community or anywhere you plan to travel for more details and guidelines. We are all encouraged to continue practice social distancing, wash hands, and stay home if you have any symptoms.
Remembering a Friend
Late last week, I lost a dear friend who had a huge impact on our region.

Bo Black was a Milwaukee legend who helped turn Summerfest into a national event. She also was a kind friend who cared about her community and those around her.

I was lucky enough to call Bo a friend for many years. I will be forever grateful for her friendship, her laugh, and her wisdom. 

Rest in peace, Bo. You made the Big Gig and now you head to the Biggest Gig there is. I will miss you. Your family is in my prayers.
Beware of Seeds in the Mail
People in at least 27 states, including Wisconsin, have received unsolicited seeds in the mail. The seeds come from China and state officials are asking residents to not plant them or throw them away.

If you receive seeds from China, do not plant them or throw them away. Please report it to the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection.

For more information, visit here.
Around the 8th...