Shutdowns and Uncertainty Mark Monday’s Coronavirus Headlines

Trump to governors: ‘Get it yourself.’ Hotels close. Stocks sink.

As Wisconsin joins the ranks of places prohibiting large gatherings of people as a way to curtail the spread of the coronavirus –explained in this related story– here is a review of other Monday events related to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Surgeries Suspended – Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin is postponing all non-time sensitive surgeries and clinic appointments until further notice due the coronavirus pandemic, the hospital announced Monday according to a report from WTMJ-TV. All well-child appointments for children under 18 months will remain in place in order to keep those children on their immunization schedules and all urgent care locations will remain open as well.

Bus Service Impacts – The city of Green Bay has suspended bus operations on Green Bay Metro Transit, citing the need to ensure the safety of riders, employees and the public. Paratransit services remain available for medically necessary trips. Milwaukee County Transit System is still running its buses, but MCTS requests that riders limit non-essential bus travel until further notice.

Hotels Begin Closing – In Wisconsin Dells, Great Wolf Lodge reports that it closed on Sunday and will remain shuttered until at least April 2. Guests whose reservations were canceled will receive a full refund, the resort says. Nationally, MGM Resorts is shutting down its 8 properties in Las Vegas including the Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Mirage, Luxor, New York-New York, Excalibur, and Park MGM. 

Sports Uncertainty – The WIAA which governs high school sports in Wisconsin says Gov. Evers’ school closing order means the suspension of all spring sports activities until at least April 6. Coaches may provide individual workouts virtually but cannot organize their teams to practice. Major League Baseball is pushing back the season opener even further than originally announced, acknowledging the Centers for Disease Control recommendation of a nationwide halt of any gatherings consisting of more than 50 people for the next eight weeks in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Congressional Quarantine – U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Milwaukee, is the latest member of Congress to announce she will self-quarantine after coming in contact with someone who tested positive for coronavirus. She says she is showing no symptoms and will continue to press for an emergency aid bill to help Americans who do not have paid sick leave and cannot afford to miss work if they don’t feel well.

Congressional Quagmire – The emergency aid bill for coronavirus relief passed quickly late Friday but has been languishing in the U.S. Senate which was on a 3-day weekend. Republicans like Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wisconsin, oppose the mandated sick leave pay; others criticize the bill for not going far enough to cover millions of Americans exempted in the current bill. Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, not only advocated for fast Senate action on relief, but that it be done with direct payments. “Every American adult should immediately receive $1,000 to help ensure families and workers can meet their short-term obligations and increase spending in the economy,” he said.

Trump: Get Help Yourselves – Asked Monday morning by a group of governors about the growing demand for respirators to treat coronavirus patients, President Trump told them, “We will be backing you, but try getting it yourselves. Point of sales, much better, much more direct if you can get it yourself.”

From Ships to Soldiers – The 29 Wisconsin residents who had been quarantined after being aboard the Grand Princess cruise ship were brought back to the state early this morning by members of the Wisconsin National Guard. Gov. Evers’ office says two other passengers chose to remain quarantined in Texas for personal reasons. While there were 21 people who tested positive for COVID-19 out of 3,500 passengers, none of the Wisconsin travelers have tested positive. 

Stocks sink – The major financial markets sank another 12 percent Monday on concerns about a continued economic slump throughout the globe. Economic advisor Larry Kudlow told Fox Business News that Trump is “very calm” about the barrage of losses and the market is providing “a great opportunity to buy.”

By the Numbers – As provided late Monday afternoon from the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center

7,115 deaths worldwide – At least 181,200 people infected around the world.

74 deaths in the U.S. – At least 4,287 people infected nationwide.