Everyone needs to do their part to make sure we get through this as quickly as possible. Our local businesses, economy, and more importantly many lives depend on us to make smart and selfless decisions. Make sure you follow the CDC guidelines of good hygiene to help avoid getting the virus.

I'd like to thank all of the doctors, nurses, and health care professionals that are on the frontline of this battle. I know we will get through this. Take care of yourself and each other.

Also, don't forget about all of our great local businesses. You can find ways to support them including ordering food for delivery or pickup. There is a link to those great restaurants below.

Starting March 22nd, Wisconsin is expanding eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccines to people with pre-existing conditions. Anyone over the age of 16 with medical conditions that have a greater risk of severe infection will have access to the vaccines.

The state's vaccine registry is live. The registry will ask questions to determine eligibility. People who are eligible will be able to sign up for an appointment. If you are not eligible yet, you will be put on a waiting list. While not every county is included yet, it is a start.

If you are eligible and having trouble finding the COVID-19 vaccine in your area, the State of Wisconsin now has a map of vaccine providers. The website not only helps link people to the vaccine but also provides information on how the state is distributing doses.

The state also has a COVID-19 Vaccine Assistance Hotline. The hotline is offering personal assistance for vaccine-related questions. The toll-free number is 1-844-684-1064.

TMJ4's website now features interactive COVID mapping. The website provides information on cases, deaths, and vaccination statistics by county.

You can sign up for emails to stay updated on when you can be vaccinated by visiting our county health department websites. Click on your county's health department for more information.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services also recommends that you contact your healthcare provider to sign up to be vaccinated. You can also register with Meijer Pharmacy and they will notify you when the vaccine is available.

Waukesha County began testing a new vaccine registry.

The state registry is expected to go live on March 1st. The websites will ask questions to determine eligibility. People who are eligible will be able to sign up for an appointment. If you are not eligible yet, you will be put on a waiting list.

You can also sign up for alerts from area pharmacies including Walgreens, CVS, and Northshore Pharmacy.

The table above contains data from April 14, 2021 from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services on coronavirus cases in our area.

Source: CDC COVID Data Tracker

Our hospitals are being overwhelmed by the pandemic. One way you can help is by donating blood. If you have recovered from COVID-19, please consider donating your plasma.

You can find out where to donate here and here.

The Green Bay Packers are joining a coalition of associations including the Wisconsin Hospitals Association and Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in Wisconsin.

Click on the video to see how you can help stop the spread!

Recently, Governor Tony Evers issued an executive order urging Wisconsin residents to stay at home, limit interactions, and for businesses to take precautions.

We are still seeing record new cases, and that is a major concern, especially for our front-line health care workers and hospitals. It’s more important than ever that we do what we can to stop the spread of COVID-19. It is vital to keep the stress off our health care system and businesses so we can get through this pandemic as quick and as safely as possible.

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 the CARES Act funding will be used in our state.

Recently, the non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau released a reviewof how Governor Evers has spent the $2 billion from the federal CARES Act meant to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the report, the governor has announced $1.87 billion in programs with $127.3 million remaining. Any funding not used by December must be returned to the federal government.

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.

The Wisconsin Hospitals Association is posting updated information on the pandemic in our state.

Click on the picture to check out their helpful dashboard to see first-hand the effect the crisis is having on our health care providers.

Wisconsin is now under a public health emergency to deal with the virus. That designation will help make our state eligible for federal funding to combat the Coronavirus.

I will continue to work on smart solutions to help people get the care they need such as telehealth, direct primary care, and other innovations.

Click on the picture above to get the most recent updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC also has recommendations to help prepare your household for the coronavirus.

The White House website also has important information regarding stopping the spread of the Coronavirus.

Dr. John R Raymond, Sr., is the President and CEO of the Medical College of Wisconsin.

In this video, Dr. Raymond discusses how COVID-19 is different than most flu and stresses the importance of social distancing to prevent the spread of the illness.

Dr. Smriti Khare has served as president of Children’s Wisconsin Primary Care since 2011. In her role, she provides leadership and direction for the 25 primary care sites and seven urgent care sites in

southeastern Wisconsin.

In the video, Dr. Khare says young people are not immune from COVID-19.

The lock down is difficult for everyone. TMJ4 News put together a useful list of helpful services available during these tough times.

Click on the picture for resources to help in dealing with this crisis.

If you are an essential worker and in need of childcare,

the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families is offering help.

Click on the picture to find out more.

AAA is providing free roadside assistance for healthcare workers and first responders. You do not need to be a member to access this service.

Call 833-222-3284 if you need assistance. Click on the logo for more information.

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a nutrition program for pregnant women, infants, women who are breastfeeding, postpartum women, and children younger than five.

WIC is encouraging women who were recently furloughed to see if they are eligible for help. Click on the picture of find a WIC office near you.

If your job is being affected by the Coronavirus, help is available from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

Click on the picture to find helpful links and answers to many questions.

Thanks to the Federal CARES Act, you may be eligible for benefits even if you don’t qualify for Unemployment Insurance.

Click on the picture for more information.

The Federal Reserve is expanding the Main Street lending program to reach more small and medium-sized businesses.

The expansions include:

Click on their logo to find out more.

Disaster loans are available from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Click not their logo to apply and check your application status.

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is created a Small Business 20/20 program to help companies affected by the emergency declaration regarding the COVID-19 virus.

Click on the picture for more information.

Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce compiled an "Employer Tool Kit" to help navigate this crisis.

Click on the picture for more.

Many schools and food banks are available if you need meals.

If you or someone you know needs food dial 2-1-1.

The Hunger Task Force also provides meals and help for low-income seniors.

Many schools are continuing to provide meals for students. Click on your school district for more information. Please contact your district directly for more information if they are not listed below.

Do you or anyone you know need internet access? The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has resources to help people find broadband access at a free or reduced rate during this crisis.

Find out more by clicking the picture.

Bored kids? Click on the picture to visit more than forty websites that offer virtual tours and experiences of everything from National Parks, to the White House, to the a tour of Laura Ingalls Wilder's home in Pepin.

Click on the picture to see what's available.

March is Women's History Month. The Wisconsin Historical Society is telling the amazing stories of women who helped shape our great state.

Click on their logo to read and learn about these incredible ladies and their contributions to Wisconsin.

The Milwaukee County Zoo has several games and fun activities on their website.

Click the picture to find out more.

While Governor Evers reopened most state parks last month, he made it very difficult to buy admission stickers. I heard from many constituents who tried many times without success to order passes by phone.

I contacted the Governor asking him to allow online purchasing of State Park Admission stickers and I am happy to report now you can. Click on the picture to order a pass.

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.

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.

The Hunger Task Force is looking for volunteers to help get food to low-income seniors in our area. They need to provide 10,000 boxes a month to meet the need. Click on the picture for more information and to fill out an application to help.

Many restaurants are still delivering and providing take out. The Wisconsin Restaurant Association maintains a statewide list of where you can still order takeout from great restaurants.

Click open the picture to find a location near you.

You can still support small business owners purchasing from by shopping from their website or by buying a gift card to use later.

Many local businesses rely on positive online reviews. Giving your favorite shops an encouraging rating can help drive more customers to their websites and help them through this difficult time.