This is all new territory each day will look a little different, and we will let you know the latest, laid out in simple form. Your Covid-19 Cliff Notes are here.
As we follow the latest of the world pandemic, there is a lot (A LOT!) of information to digest, we will break it down from the larger (World) scope and work our way in here to Eau Claire and our own back yard and day to day lives. Trying to outline the basics and keep the information accurate, bite size, and easy to follow.
First of all, COVID19 is the name given to COronaVIrus Disease 2019, for the year that it was first detected. Now that we have that established we will look at the latest cliff notes.
WORLD: Countries across Europe are taking strong measures to combat the fast-spreading coronavirus. France is shutting all shops, restaurants and entertainment facilities and telling its 67-million citizens to stay home. Spain is putting its 47-million citizens under partial lockdown starting today. Norway is shutting all its ports and airports and the UK is placing a ban on all mass gatherings. The country hardest hit by the coronavirus in Europe is Italy, with over 20-thousand confirmed cases and over 14-hundred deaths.
Norway is shutting all its ports and airports starting today, and the UK is placing a ban on all mass gatherings.
Japan’s Prime Minister says the 2020 Tokyo Olympics will go on. Shinzo Abe says his nation is ready to host the games without any issues. The country has reported 716 cases of COVID-19 with 21 deaths. The Olympics are set to begin July 24th and run through August 9th.
NATIONAL: A top health official says the nation is in a “new phase” when it comes to coronavirus testing. Speaking at the White House, Doctor Anthony Fauci warned that despite more testing, bad times are still ahead. However, he added that our response will help determine where we end up. Fauci said we’re at a “very, very critical point now.”
Events with 50 or more people over the next eight weeks should be cancelled or delayed. That’s guidance out Sunday from the CDC. The agency specifically mentioned sporting events, weddings, and festivals. The daily business of places like schools aren’t included in the proposed policy.
STATE: The latest coronavirus count does not include any confirmed cases in the Chippewa Valley. The state’s Department of Health Services yesterday said 32 people in nine Wisconsin counties are sick. In western Wisconsin, only Pierce County has a confirmed case. That means there are no cases of the virus in Eau Claire, Chippewa, or Dunn counties.
Just over 90 percent of the people tested for the coronavirus in Wisconsin are not sick, or are sick with something else. DHS added that 313 people have been tested for the coronavirus and confirmed to not be sick.
LOCALLY: People are shuffling plans as we prepare for kids at home.
Today is the last day of school for kids in Eau Claire for three weeks. Eau Claire Area Schools yesterday told parents they are closing-down after school today. Kids won’t return til at least April 6th. Governor Tony Evers ordered all schools in the state to close no later than Wednesday. Superintendent Mary Ann Hardebeck said the district revised its plans to close after getting new guidance from public health managers.
Scratch a few places off the list of where to grab a bite in Eau Claire. The group that owns Mona Lisa’s, Mogie’s Pub, Stella Blues, The Livery, The Red Room, and The Stone’s Throw yesterday said it is voluntarily closing the six restaurants because of the coronavirus. They will all be closed for two weeks. Wisconsin has not ordered bars and restaurants in the state to close, but other states have.
Eau Claire’s mall is not escaping the coronavirus. Mall managers last night announced adjusted hours. The Oakwood Mall will now be open from noon till 7 p.m Monday through Saturday, and from 11 a.m. til 6 p.m. on Sundays. There is no word when the mall will return to its normal hours.
On that note… The Walt Disney Company wants to provide some relief during the coronavirus outbreak. Officials say they will be making “Frozen 2” available on Disney Plus three months early. Fans can start watching Anna and Elsa’s latest adventure starting Sunday. Disney says the early release is meant to surprise families “with some fun and joy during this challenging period.” Although this isn’t something that we can’t simply “Let Go” we will keep you posted on the updates as we get them.
CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST PREVENTION TIPS AND INFORMATION FROM THE CDC.
