Outbreak Wisconsin: Returning to work as COVID-19 continues

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Single mom Jessica Barrera lost her job providing airport shuttle service in Eau Claire during the pandemic. Now she has a new job — but is still uncertain about the future for herself and her son. Listen to Barrera’s story here on the latest installment of WPR/Wisconsin Watch’s series, Outbreak Wisconsin.

Top Stories

Jessica Barrera, who receives Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), lost her part-time job at Groome Transportation in Eau Claire, Wis., due to the pandemic. She filed multiple unemployment claims with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, but was denied due to a state law barring the concurrent collection of federal SSDI and state unemployment insurance benefits. Courtesy of Jessica Barrera

Introducing Jessica Barrera: A single mom reflects on returning to work during the pandemic — Wisconsin Watch/WPR

NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes joins drug maker in effort to treat COVID-19 — Wisconsin State Journal

La Crosse County confirms 7 new cases, several downtown bars listed as at-risk businesses —La Crosse Tribune

Racine’s local COVID restrictions go to court Friday — Journal Times

Cheap drug is first shown to improve COVID-19 survival — Associated Press

Wisconsin coronavirus deaths surpass 703; test positivity rate remains below 3% — USA TODAY-Network

Put a lid on it folks: Flushing may release coronavirus-containing ‘toilet plumes’ — Washington Post

What are we missing? And how are you coping? Help us provide critical information and accountability by filling out this form or emailing us at tips@wisconsinwatch.org.

Government updates

Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Gov. Tony Evers’ office

U.S. Centers and Disease Control and Prevention

World Health Organization

Quotable

“Judgments and stigma are not going to help us win this war against this virus.”
La Crosse County Health Department Director Jen Rombalski, announcing a spike in COVID-19 infections among young adults who work at and frequent bars and restaurants there, as told to the La Crosse Tribune.

Data to note

The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation now projects 201,129 COVID-19 deaths by Oct. 1, 2020. The IMHE says a new wave of infections could hit around Sept. 15 — just weeks after schools reopen.

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Resilient Wisconsin

People helping others and showing resilience during this time of anxiety. Send suggestions by tagging us on social media — @wisconsinwatch — or emailing us: tips@wisconsinwatch.org.

Wisconsin man creates masks with windows to help the deaf and hearing imparied use visual cues — WHNT-TV

‘One community together’: West High Area Collaborative helps Madison families with rent — Cap Times

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The nonprofit Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism (wisconsinwatch.org) collaborates with Wisconsin Public Radio, PBS Wisconsin, other news media and the UW-Madison School of Journalism and Mass Communication. All works created, published, posted or disseminated by the Center do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of UW-Madison or any of its affiliates.