COVID 19 Updates, 3/24/2020

Dear neighbors,

We're onto another week of staying home and social distancing, and as was with last week, changes are happening rapidly. Before I get into updates, I want to first acknowledge the amazing things I'm seeing from people across Madison, and especially in District 11. I've seen neighbors looking out for their elderly neighbors, and going to get needed supplies for them. I've seen neighbors looking to raise their neighbors spirits by putting up holiday lights, or kids writing hopeful messages on their sidewalks for others to see.

Seneca, a middle schooler who lives in District 11, organized a supply drive, by leaving notes on her neighbors' doorsteps, asking for personal care items like soap, toothpaste, and hand sanitizer. She came by later in the week and collected what people were able to give, and will be taking them to an organization who will distribute them to those who need it (after the appropriate amount of time needed to make sure there aren't still live germs on the items). Thank you, Seneca, for helping take care of your community! If you have a neighbor who's done good for someone, please let me know, and I can highlight them in these blogs! We all need positivity during this time.

And now onto the updates:

EMERGENCY ORDERS

On Tuesday, March 17, Governor Evers issued a "Safer at Home" today, and Mayor Rhoodes-Conway will do the same at the City. We will provide more details soon as to the City's order, and in the meantime, you can see the details as to what will be allowed when the order takes effect on Wednesday, March 25, at 8AM here

COORDINATED GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

We continue to work closely with our county, state, and federal partners to coordinate efforts on the ground relating to immediate response to COVID-19. Together, we're navigating difficult challenges from transportation of critical employees across sectors to coordination of childcare for such workers to structures in support of homeless individuals and families. In addition to such collaboration, we're engaging regularly with the Governor's Office as well as our federal delegation on advocating for timely and critical needs such as support for workers, families, and business; personal protective equipment to keep our healthcare systems up and running; and flexibility in funding to support critical services to limit the severity of COVID-19 impacts on our community. While we are merely in the early days of community spread, we are fortunate to have close working relationships and strong communication across levels of government. Please know that we are working closely with our colleagues around the clock to respond to the continued and growing challenges that this pandemic has brought upon our community.

EARLY VOTING

We are encouraging anyone who is able, to vote early or absentee to avoid congestion at the polls on Election Day, April 7. You can register to vote online through March 30th at myvotewi.gov. You can request an absentee ballot before April 2nd from the City Clerk's Office. Early voting is available until April 3. As of March 23, we have moved to curbside early voting only. People can vote without leaving their vehicle.

MADISON PUBLIC LIBRARIES

To protect the safety of employees and the general public, our public libraries are closed. Library book drops will be closed, and customers are urged to keep library materials until libraries reopen. Due dates of checked out materials will be extended, and holds will be retained at libraries until libraries reopen. The library's databases, online magazines and newspapers and downloadable audiobooks and eBooks collections are also accessible 24/7 with a library card.

2020 CENSUS

The 2020 Census is here. As we practice social distancing, please take the opportunity to complete the census, now, from the comfort of your home. It is critical that all Madison residents are counted. Census data determines how more than $675 billion in federal funds are distributed to communities across the country for healthcare, affordable housing, childcare, education, transportation, and more. That's over $2,000 per person for Madison and Dane County every year. You can fill it out online at my2020census.gov , by phone , or by mail – all without having to meet a census taker.

ECONOMIC IMPACT

The economic impact to area workers and business, small and large, has been heavily felt over the past week. We continue to advocate for resources to businesses across size and sector, as well as workers at the state and federal levels.

Because this pandemic will have such a negative impact on the incomes of many families, I call on all landlords to put a moratorium on evictions and non-renewals for anyone impacted by COVID-19. Additionally, we have been contacted by residents about delaying property tax installment payments without penalty. The payment process for property taxes, including penalties for late payments, is established in state law. Local taxing jurisdictions, including the City of Madison, cannot change payment dates or waive penalties for late payments without action by the state. We have been in contact with the state at all levels urging action to provide this short-term relief to affected property tax payers in response to this public health and economic emergency.

As we await state and federal support, we're partnering closely with the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) and other economic development partners to provide regular communication about COVID-19 updates, best practices for business to stay afloat during these difficult times, and a wide range of resources available to the business community. This information is kept up-to-date on our Economic Development Business Information COVID-19 webpage. Further, GMCC has created a virtual portal for employers to submit questions relating to community response, guidance from local, state and federal authorities, available assistance for affected businesses, and more. The City of Madison and Public Health Madison & Dane County are partnering with GMCC to get answers to the critical questions that continue to arise amongst local business owners. The FAQ portal is open to the public? and we encourage you to submit your questions.

PEOPLE IMPACTED BY HOMELESSNESS

We are working hard with the county and partner community organizations to reduce crowding in homeless shelters, and provide food and shelter for our homeless to make sure they are prepared and protected. Almost 100 hotel rooms have been secured to help carry out proper social distancing for families and singles experiencing homelessness in our community. We are also placing hand washing stations at 6 locations around town including Salvation Army, the Beacon, Safe Haven, Peace Park, Central Library and the Top of State street. Other options are being looked at with state and county partners.

FOOD ACCESS AND DISTRIBUTION

During this public health emergency, the City of Madison is focused on making sure our most vulnerable residents continue to have reliable access to food. City staff have been working diligently to organize, collaborate, and communication with various food resource providers across sectors and geographies to ensure that efforts to maintain food provisions are synchronized, informed and efficient. We are doing our part to identify the needs and concerns of providers and residents and are constantly analyzing and assessing our capabilities to support our residents.

• Students

  • Madison Metropolitan School District - Neighborhood Food Sites: https://www.madison.k12.wi.us/mmsd-covid-19-neighborhood-food-sites

• Seniors

  • SSM Health Meals on Wheels: https://www.ssmhealth.com/health-at-home/community-health-resources/meals-on-wheels

  • NewBridge Madison: https://newbridgemadison.org/

  • Independent Living- Evening Meals on Wheels: https://www.independentlivinginc.org/evening-meals-on-wheels.html

• Emergency Food and General Resources

  • 2-1-1 Wisconsin: https://211wisconsin.communityos.org/

    • Madison-area food pantries are constantly providing updated information on hours to United Way Dane County 2-1-1 staff

    • 2-1-1 also serves as a vital connection point for other critical resources COVID-19 UPDATES, FAQ & COMMUNITY HOTLINE We encourage you to stay up-to-date on this issue by following Public Health on Twitter @PublicHealthMDC and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/publichealthmdc .

    • Public Health Madison Dane County COVID-19 Website: https://www.publichealthmdc.com/coronavirus

    • City of Madison COVID-19 Website: https://www.cityofmadison.com/health-safety/coronavirus 

IF YOU ARE UNWELL

As the number of cases in the United States increase, there is an increased focus on providing accurate information to community members with questions about COVID-19. If you have questions about COVID-19 or are considering being seen for possible COVID-19 at a clinic, urgent care, or the emergency department, please call your health care provider first. Another resource is UW Health COVID-19 hotline at 608-720-5300. As we progress through this very challenging time, I appreciate your support and understanding. Working together, we are doing our best to protect our most vulnerable, our families, our workers and our community.