Yesterday, IIAW learned the WI Department of Health Services (DHS) plans on releasing to the media on Friday a list of over 1,000 businesses associated with two or more positive COVID-19 tests. This information is collected by local, county health departments and reported to DHS. It is our understanding that the cases have been closed for at least 28 days and are a snapshot of positive cases at a particular point in time. DHS believes they are required to provide this information to comply with Wisconsin's public records law. We have shared our concerns about releasing this information to the public and the impact it could have on businesses.

Impacted insurance agencies are advised to draft internal communications for staff to use in response to customer questions regarding positive cases within the agency (if applicable). Independent agents may also want to consider providing notification of this potential release of information to insureds who many also be impacted.

Wisconsin's insurance agents are essential businesses and were open throughout the pandemic. Your employees have been and continue to be on the front lines providing essential services to your customers and communities. It should not be a surprise to anyone that essential employees may have interacted with COVID-19 positive individuals at some point in time during this pandemic.

IIAW members and non-members are committed to serving Wisconsin consumers as safely as possible throughout this pandemic. All agencies work to follow CDC and state guidelines to maintain clean facilities. We will update you as more information becomes available.

Please don't hesitate to contact staff if you have any additional questions and visit www.iiaw.com for more information.