COVID-19 Update
Dear Friends,

I hope you are well. There is more encouraging information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. As testing hits new highs, the percentage of positive tests dropped to less than two percent on Tuesday.

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is taking applications for its "We're All In" small business grant. WEDC's program will provide $2,500 to 30,000 small businesses affected by the pandemic. Find out more here.

This is a great first step, and I encourage business owners to apply. Unfortunately, $2,500 often doesn’t go a long way considering the amount of damage some businesses have experienced.

That's why Dan Knodl and I are introducing legislation to help small businesses get back on their feet. Our bill directs an additional $75 million from the CARES Act to small business relief. Grants will be available to small businesses with annual revenue under $1.5 million. The maximum grant available will be $10,000 and priority will be given to businesses that have not received any assistance and have realized losses from COVID-19.

Wisconsin's campgrounds are finally open! However, there will be several changes. You will need to make reservations ahead of your visit. Restrooms are open, but concessions are not. If you need firewood, you must purchase it within 10 miles of the park. For more information visit here.

Keep reading below for updated statistics on COVID-19 in our area. There is also information below on testing, updates on local reopening plans, and more. A comprehensive list of helpful information and links is available on  my website.

Because of state law, this will be my last COVID-19 update. However, you will still be able to find my e-updates by visiting my website and following me on Facebook and Twitter. 

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 from June 9, 2020 from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services on coronavirus cases in our area.
CARES Act Spending in Wisconsin
*in millions
The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) is delivering around $2 billion to Wisconsin to assist in costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
So far, over $1 billion of those funds have already been allocated. The largest chunk of that money, $445 million, is being set aside to help hospitals and communities in the event of another COVID-19 outbreak later this year.

Around $260 million is being used to increase testing and $200 million will help cover costs from state agencies to cover the costs associated with the pandemic. The chart above breaks down how CARES funding will be used in our state.
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.

Waukesha County:
  • Open with no restrictions.
  • Businesses are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines.

Washington and Ozaukee Counties:

Suburban Milwaukee County: (Includes Bayside, Brown Deer, Fox Point, Glendale, River Hills, Whitefish Bay)
  • The area remains in Phase B with the following restrictions:
  • Gatherings limited to 10 people
  • Masks are required at all Milwaukee County facilities
  • Child Care to follow DCF guidelines
  • Retail occupancy limited to 25% of capacity
  • Restaurants and Bars occupancy limited to 50% of capacity
  • Gyms occupancy limited to 25% of capacity
  • Places of Worship occupancy limited to 25% of capacity
  • Phase B will last at least 14 days and the next stage will begin if gating measures (PPE, hospital capacity, testing, tracing, etc.) are met.
  • Phase B will be re-evaluated on Thursday, June 11th.

  • Businesses may open but must post capacity where the public can see.
  • Businesses are currently allowed to open at 80% of capacity
  • Increases to 100% at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, June 10th
  • Restaurants: Patios at restaurants may open but tables must be eight feet apart until 11:59 pm on June 10th and are encouraged to remain that way.
  • Personal Care businesses (hair and nail salons) may open
  • Must follow guidelines from CDC and Washington County Health Department
  • Mequon has an emergency loan program available for area businesses. Click here for more information.

The Village of Grafton is offering small businesses loans to help them through the pandemic. Click here for more information.

  • "Moving Milwaukee Forward" mirrors Governor Evers’ "Safer at Home" order with no end date.
  • The city is currently in Phase 3.
  • Bars and restaurants may open at 25% of capacity.
  • Stores are allowed to be at 50% of capacity.
  • Click here for more information.

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.
WEDC Issues Reopening Guidelines
As I stated above, the ruling from the Supreme Court does not mean we should abandon smart and safe practices. Businesses need to put practices in place to protect themselves, their employees, and their customers.

I encourage all businesses to take a look at the reopening guidelines put together by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. Click on the picture for more.
How to Help
The Masked Sewists for SE Wisconsin is a group of volunteers that makes masks for workers in hospitals, group homes, nursing homes, and other organizations in need in our area.

They could use your help! Click on their logo to find more information, patterns, and where to drop off the masks.
Concordia University in Mequon is making sure health care professionals get the equipment they need during this crisis by 3D printing N95 respirator masks.

They've also created a GoFundMe page to raise money to pay for the supplies they need to make more masks. Click the picture to donate if you are able.
The Coronavirus outbreak is leading to a major blood shortage. The Red Cross and Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin are looking for healthy donors to give blood and platelets for patients in need.

Click on the links to schedule an appointment.