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As schools begin to reopen in Wisconsin, USA Today Network-Wisconsin reports that the state Department of Health Services will not specify which schools are experiencing COVID outbreaks or the size of those outbreaks — similar to the department’s approach to businesses reporting cases.
According to the report, DHS will publish only the number of schools in the state with COVID-19 investigations, which will be triggered when two or more cases are identified. Critics say the lack of transparency could hinder community efforts to limit the virus’ spread.
By contrast, UW-Madison has launched a portal to track the spread of COVID-19 as the campus prepares to start the fall semester.
Top Stories
Wisconsin officials won’t name schools that have COVID-19 outbreaks, or say how big they are — Wausau Daily Herald
UW-Madison releases COVID-19 test results in new data dashboard — Wisconsin State Journal
Wisconsin universities begin reporting cases of COVID-19 — WPR
With little known about long-term effects of COVID-19, some patients face a long haul — WPR
Law firm asking WI Supreme Court to review Dane County schools order — WKOW TV
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.
Quotable
“I think there’s a lot of people who think you get sick and then you’re better, kind of this like binary black and white thing. It’s really not like that, especially with COVID. It seems like you get sick, and then there’s this like, long journey.”
Dr. Jeff Pothof, chief quality officer at UW Health, speaking to WPR.
Data to note
Wisconsin’s largest public university, UW-Madison, has unveiled a new data dashboard to track the spread of the virus as the campus reopens to virtual and in-person instruction next week. As of Wednesday, UW-Madison was reporting 131 students and staff had tested positive for COVID-19 on and off campus. Those numbers are expected to rise as thousands of students begin to move into campus residence halls.
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.
Group will start giving Milwaukee-area restaurants $1,000 relief grants — Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Mayo pediatrician shares tips for managing the stress and frustration of distance learning — La Crosse Tribune
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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.
