MILWAUKEE — The number of coronavirus testing is growing in Wisconsin, but so far, there are no additional confirmed cases.
As of Friday, officials with the Department of Health Services reported out of 44 tests, 12 are still pending. There has been one confirmed case in Madison, and that person recovered.
Health leaders say the state lab in Madison can do up to 100 tests per day. The Milwaukee lab can do about 30. Officials reported there is no backlog of test kits, and more extensive labs nationwide are working on expanding testing capabilities.
The risk for contracting the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, remains low in Wisconsin. People tested for COVID-19 will be quarantined or in isolation for 14 days, whether their tests are positive or negative. Health experts said they want to ensure someone tests negative early on, they do not put others at risk if they develop COVID-19 at a later date during isolation.
Health leaders encouraged having a plan of action that covers family care and sick leave. They also advised slowly building up a stockpile of food, water, and medications, a precaution they emphasized is a good idea in any event.
With the cloud of coronavirus hanging over significant events, Milwaukee venues are taking precautionary steps.
"We've gotten some inquiries from convention planners looking to see what we are doing, and we have shared the information with them," said Marty Brooks, President & CEO of the Wisconsin Center District.
The Wisconsin Center ramped up cleaning efforts, as they are hosting the American Choral Directors regional conference this weekend and looking towards the Midwest Foodservice Expo next week.
Brooks said they had not lost any business.
"Each shift will be going around the entire complex. It's not just the convention center, it's also the Panther Arena and the Miller High Life theatre," said Brooks. "Wiping down with disinfectants all spaces that could be touched by the general public attending something in our building or any of our staff members."
Fiserv Forum will add extra hand sanitizer stations. They will also re-train workers on proper hand-washing and sanitation.
This weekend Fiserv Forum hosts the American Cup drawing top-notch gymnasts from around the world.
Event organizers released a statement saying:
"For the American Cup, we have been in contact with the public health department in Milwaukee and will be implementing CDC recommendations for athletes presenting with viral illness symptoms. We will have physicians on-site and extra hand sanitizing stations at the event for everyone to access. We will also be providing information to all delegations on how to take extra precautions to prevent the spread of viruses at the competition."
