Two men in Wisconsin — one in Fond du Lac County and the other in Ozaukee County — have died due to the novel Coronavirus, Gov. Tony Evers announced Thursday.
The resident of Fond du Lac County was in his 50s and that of Ozaukee County was in his 90s.
Wisconsin’s daily total of confirmed cases grew from 49 to 155 Thursday, the state’s Department of Health Services reported. 2,192 people have tested negative for COVID-19. There are 27 confirmed cases in Dane County alone.
“Our hearts go out to all the loved ones affected by these deaths, and to all those suffering from this virus,” Evers said in a statement. “We are committed to fighting the spread of COVID-19 in Wisconsin and I want to recognize the hard work and bravery of our nurses, doctors, state health officials and all those on the front lines in the effort to save lives. Together we will get through this historic health challenge.”
The two deaths come on the heels of strict orders from the state to close all public and private schools — including UW-Madison for the remainder of the spring semester — restaurants, bars and other public spaces to limit the highly contagious disease's spread.
In response, the UW System announced Thursday all system schools would provide prorated refunds on room and board for students who vacate university housing this spring. The reimbursements will exclude the period of the originally scheduled spring break and be issued by the close of the spring semester.
“We recognize the tremendous upheaval this pandemic has inflicted on the lives of our students, and we appreciate their patience and their sacrifice,” Cross said. “This reimbursement is the right thing to do.”
With life slowing down across the globe and state, public officials have urged citizens to social distance — Evers has limited public gatherings to no more than 10 people — and remain informed. You can receive updates on the outbreak on COVID-19 in Wisconsin at the Department of Health Services’ website.
