CURRENT STATUS OF COVID-19
**U.S: 8,301,250 confirmed cases—up 52,638 since yesterday
**223,250 deaths—up 428 since yesterday
**Wisconsin: 183,177 confirmed cases an increase of 7,525 new cases.
Deaths: 1,624 with an increase of 36 new deaths
The total number of deaths from Covid-19 in the U.S. exceeds the deaths from Vietnam War, Iraqi War and Korean War combined.
Statistics: A total of 100,215 Service Men and Women died in the line of duty in the three wars.
**Vietnam War—1954-1975: 58,220
**Iraqi War—2003-2018: 4,550 service members and 3,793 military contractors
**Korean War—1950-1953: 33,652 killed in action with 2,830 non-battle deaths
Heed the voices of those on the frontlines of Covid-19.
Milwaukee*Wisconsin Journal Sentinel Monday, October 19, 2020, “Hospital staff warn of COVID-19 danger”
**“Registered Nurse Melissa Resch: ‘You sit with them as they take their last breath.’”
“She urged people to wear masks, wash their hands, practice social distancing.” “Please help us save lives.”
**“Cleaner Mallory Giese: ‘Somebody just passed away in this room.’”
“Giese, who works on the hospital’s cleaning crew, said it’s emotionally difficult to disinfect a room after a patient dies.”
“In housekeeping, we are on the front lines as well.”
**“Registered Nurse David Eggman: ‘Please start wearing masks.’”
“Eggman has also listened to the final words of Covid-19 patients.”
**“Registered Nurse Carolyn Sienko: ‘This is not a way that you want to die.’”
“People are dying every night. There’s nothing we can do about it.”
“They all work at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, one of the many health care facilities in Wisconsin that have been overwhelmed by the state’s coronavirus surge.”
“Outbreak Wisconsin: ‘This is Slowly Grinding Us Into Dirt’”
An ER Nurse Reflects on the Relentless Pandemic
Mariah Clark, an emergency department nurse at UW Health in Madison, said:
“Wisconsin, I love you, but you’re doing it wrong.”
“This is people not wearing masks. This is people deciding they are sick of isolating and social distancing—and going out. This is people thinking that 6 feet is a magic distance that no droplet can possibly pass further than. This is people sending sick children to school when they know they’re ill, or refusing to test them because they might have to pull them out. This is people refusing to wear masks in stores. This is people packing into restaurants.”
“I get it. I am sick of wearing a mask, too.” She wears a mask 13 hours a day on workdays.
On Wednesday, October 14th, a field hospital for COVID-19 patients opened in West Allis on the State Fair Grounds. Hospitals all over the state are being strained due to the increase in hospitalizations. Officials said up to 50 patients could be initially transferred to the facility, which is designed for patients who need limited care as they recover from CO-VID 19. It could eventually treat up to 530 patients.
“The alternative care facility is designed to help hospitals around the state manage a record number of patients at a time when many facilities also have staff shortages due to COVID-19 exposure or illness.”
‘”Stop the COVID Spread’ is a coalition of more than twenty of Wisconsin’s leading health care, business and advocacy organizations who have joined together in a campaign to educate the public about the seriousness of the pandemic and the critical need for preventative measures including social distancing, hand washing, and the use of protective masks. The organization held a press conference today, October 9, 2020, addressing the looming health crisis that is threatening to overwhelm health care systems around the state.”
“Coalition efforts include a new public service announcement on broadcast channels statewide, as well as digital advertising campaign.”
Brandon Scholz, President and CEO of the Wisconsin Grocers Association, a coalition co-chair said, “Grocers across the state have always focused on cleanliness and sanitation as an everyday business practice.” “We hope that others will join our commitment and take on responsibility to do what they can to stop the spread.”
Now is the time for us to act to support the efforts to “Stop the COVID Spread.”
** Vote! Encourage everyone you to know to vote.
If you or someone you know need help, go to these sites:
https://www.vote411.org/wisconsin
https://elections.wi.gov/voters
https://www.rockthevote.org/how-to-vote/wisconsin/
**Contact your elected officials.
Due to the control of the state legislature by the Republicans, the legislators have not passed a single bill since April. Politifact, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Wisconsin, October 8, 2020, Criticism of state legislature on target. “Legislators have done less than almost any other state to address the pandemic despite being one of just 10 full-time legislatures in the nation.”
**Get involved.
**Take a couple of hours and do a lit drop for state and federal candidates.
**Volunteer to send text messages and/or make phone calls with the organization of your choice: Democratic Party, Citizen Action of Wisconsin, Climate Change organizations, Citizens Climate Lobby, and other organizations.
**Send a card or call someone who could use some encouragement during this distressing and overwhelming time. Thanks.