Press Release: Gov. Evers Announces State-Operated Voluntary Isolation Facilities and Guidance to Aid Local Communities in Opening Their Own

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today announced the State of Wisconsin Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) is opening two state-run voluntary isolation facilities in Madison and Milwaukee and is providing guidance to local communities throughout Wisconsin. The two sites are set to open April 1, 2020 are at Lowell Center in Madison and a Super 8 hotel in Milwaukee.

“As the state’s response to COVID-19 continues, we want to make sure those who need a safe place to stay have one available to them,” Gov. Evers said. “These voluntary self-isolation sites help respond to the pandemic in two ways. First, they will provide a valuable resource for those who have mild symptoms of COVID-19, leaving valuable hospital space available for others who need it, and they also provide a safe place for people to stay so they don’t spread COVID-19 to others.”

These facilities are for symptomatic individuals suspected to be infected with COVID-19 or who have a confirmed case of COVID-19. Individuals will not be permitted to register at the facility unless referred by a medical provider or public health official. Individuals register and stay at the isolation facility on a voluntary basis. The expected length of stay will be about 14 days, or 72 hours after symptoms dissipate. At any time, either the individual or the facility may terminate the individual’s presence at the site. Those staying at the facility will have wellness checks by phone every four hours during the day and if needed at night.

Additionally, the SEOC also issued guidance for communities seeking to open their own voluntary self-isolation centers. This guidance will aid local communities with the following:

• How do we select, set up, and staff an isolation site?
• How does a person get referred to and checked into the isolation site?
• What happens while occupants are at the isolation site? Including details about medical monitoring/wellness check calls and other on-site services.
• When do occupants leave the site? Including details about discharge and involuntary check out from the isolation site.
  

“Our community partners across the state know what will work best for the folks living in their area,” Gov. Evers said. “This guidance should aid them with any local effort that is undertaken to help those who are facing COVID-19 and doing their best to comply with my ‘safer at home’ order.”

Note to media: As partners in this response, we ask you to not film at these facilities. We do not want to discourage anyone from going into isolation that needs it. Staff onsite will not be able to talk to you and you will not be allowed in. We ask you to respect the privacy of those who need these facilities. All media inquiries should be directed to dmawempio@wisconsin.gov.