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Wisconsin continues to withhold the names of businesses and other workplaces with COVID-19 outbreaks. Even though the state budgeted $75 million to trace the virus’ path, the state Department of Health Services chose from the earliest days of the pandemic to reveal little about outbreak locations, according to an investigation by the USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin. Then, during last fall’s surge, the state’s most powerful business and manufacturing group sued to make doubly sure nobody but the state could access those records. Lobbyists argue that naming businesses with outbreaks would brand them with a “scarlet letter” and be used to out their infected employees. Worker rights advocates and public health experts say that Wisconsin residents have a right to make informed decisions and use the data to help identify employers who flout precautions.
Top Stories
Milwaukee makes moves to vaccinate those most vulnerable to COVID-19 — WPR
A year into the pandemic, Wisconsin residents still aren’t being told where COVID-19 spread — USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Madison companies still pursuing COVID-19 vaccines, saying more options needed — Wisconsin State Journal
CDC likely to extend eviction moratorium with millions of people behind on rent — NPR
From in-person to online learning: More failing grades, fewer students —Wisconsin State Journal
‘They’re ready to put the boulder down’: The weight of the past year is wearing people out, mental health experts say — USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Pandemic, lack of spring break strains UW-Madison students’ mental health — Wisconsin State Journal
Small mistakes prevent some DOC employees from getting $1,500 ‘hazard’ pay bonus — Wisconsin State Journal
Residents receive vaccines as free, walk-in clinic opens in Milwaukee (photo gallery) — TMJ4
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
“If we know that Black folks in Milwaukee are the most incarcerated, have the lowest wealth and wages, live in predatory housing and have no real access to health care and fresh food, why did it take so long for us to be prioritized?”
Metcalfe Park activist Melody Curtis writing in Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service about getting vaccinated.
Data to note
Here’s a look at the Department of Health Services’ vaccine dashboard, which showed Monday that 72.5% of Wisconsinites ages 65 and older have gotten at least one dose — as have 25.3% of the state’s overall population. Racial disparities persist in distributing vaccines. The shares of Black, Hispanic and Native American residents to receive a dose remain below that of white residents.
Public health officials continue to urge Wisconsinites to wear masks and practice physical distancing until vaccinations are more widely distributed. On Monday, DHS reported 338 additional cases and no new deaths, maintaining the statewide death toll at 6,576.
WisContext offers this visualization.
Find a vaccine site near you
DHS has this interactive map of vaccine providers across Wisconsin. Vaccinations are generally by appointment only and it may take time to schedule appointments with providers due to limited supplies of vaccines.
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.
A lot of ways to spend $1,400 | Locals impacted by COVID use stimulus checks to pay off bills — Journal Times
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