Nearly two dozen of the state’s leading health care, business and local government advocacy groups launched a broad public education effort October 9 aimed at promoting the embrace of smart behaviors designed to slow the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Called the Stop the COVID Spread! coalition, each entity will contribute to statewide public service announcements while harnessing their own digital media channels to spread the message of how mask wearing, hand washing and social distancing can prevent further escalation of the already-troubling upward trend of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
“The Wisconsin Medical Society will continue to help the public understand the severe ramifications of an unchecked COVID-19 pandemic on our state’s hospitals, clinics and health care workforce,” Society CEO Bud Chumbley, MD, MBA said. “Current trends are endangering hospital capacity in some parts of the state, and an unchecked pandemic threatens physicians and other important members of the health care workforce that have been asked to sacrifice for more than six months.
“Physicians are trusted members of their communities,” Dr. Chumbley said. “Through our statewide membership we have an unmatched ability to help our state’s citizens understand how their actions can help protect themselves, their families and their communities – as well as what can happen if folks don’t take this virus seriously.”
Circuit Court’s action halting Gov. Evers’ Temporary Gatherings Limitation Order garners Society reminder
A Sawyer County Circuit Court judge issued a temporary restraining order October 14 preventing enforcement of Governor Tony Evers’ Emergency Order #3, which temporarily limited indoor public gatherings to 25 percent of a facilities capacity. The court has scheduled a hearing for Monday, October 19 for the plaintiffs and the state to make their case as to whether the emergency order should have been issued via administrative rule, or if the governor’s emergency declaration powers are alone sufficient to issue the temporary order.
In a statement delivered to the statewide media, Society President Erik Gundersen, MD, reiterated the Society’s smart behaviors messaging to the public. “Regardless of any government order, we all have the power to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect our state’s health and economy,” Dr. Gundersen said in the statement. “Wear a mask, wash your hands and maintain smart social distancing, which includes avoiding large groups. And please get a flu shot.”
For more information, contact Society Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer Mark Grapentine, JD.
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