Mayor Barrett says Milwaukee will request Governor Evers to declare public health emergency
![](/images/cbslogo_gray.png?x)
-
1:48
Man charged in Prince McCree’s murder sentenced to life in...
-
1:43
Onlookers enjoy Air and Water Show practice ahead of big weekend...
-
1:26
Brewers help fight hunger at Summer Sizzle event
-
2:07
’Justice, fairness, equity’: Milwaukee County leaders celebrate...
-
2:58
CBS 58 checks out Milwaukee’s 42nd annual German Fest
-
5:21
CBS 58’s Feel Good Fridays: Lakefront fun, German Fest and...
-
2:40
Meet CBS 58’s Pet of the Week: Esther
-
2:02
Pleasant start to a busy weekend in Milwaukee
-
2:10
Armed robbery attempt ends with gunfire exchange in Wauwatosa,...
-
3:08
Drew Burgoyne tastes treats in Tosa
-
3:06
Eduardo Galvan appointed MPS interim superintendent, despite...
-
2:13
Multiple festivals expected to draw thousands to Milwaukee’s...
Milwaukee (CBS 58) — While there have been no reported cases of coronavirus in Milwaukee, Mayor Tom Barrett says the city is focusing on preparation and proactive measures.
Mayor Tom Barrett says the City of Milwaukee will be making the request for Governor Evers to declare a public health emergency.
“It’s to open the door for federal resources so that we can ensure our healthcare and public safety officials will have the personal protective equipment they need to continue to serve the residents of Milwaukee,” said Barrett.
He says the city also plans to open a hotline by the end of the week for people to ask questions about the coronavirus.
“We are also being very proactive in ramping up our labs capacity. We will be ready to increase testing as soon as more kits are available. Our lab is ready, we will test multiple batches a day on a 24 hour 7 day a week operation,” said Barrett.
Commissioner of Health Jeanette Kowalik said right now she is not recommending Milwaukee Public Schools close and she has not ordered events to be canceled.
“That’s something that would be considered but at this very moment, this is not being issued,” she said.
There are four people under voluntary quarantine. Kowalik said those four people either traveled to mainland China or came in contact with someone with coronavirus. Their quarantine will end on March 19.