Oshkosh coronavirus live updates: Pollock Community Water Park will remain closed in 2020
Editor's note: This story will be updated frequently with the latest information related to the coronavirus in Oshkosh and the surrounding area.
Confirmed cases of COVID-19 up to 76 in Winnebago County
There are now 86 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Winnebago County, as three new cases of the virus were reported by the county health department on Tuesday.
Of those 86 people who have been infected, one lives in a long-term care facility and 10 others live in group housing, such as correctional facilities, homeless shelters, dormitories and group homes. The other 75 people do not live in group settings.
One person in Winnebago County has died from the virus, which was reported in April. According to the health department, 1,892 people have tested negative and there are 213 tests pending.
The numbers from the Winnebago County Health Department do not include cases from the portions of Menasha and Appleton that fall within the county.
Statewide, there have been more than 10,600 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin and 418 people have died, according to the Department of Health Services.
- Natalie Brophy
Pollock water park to remain closed in 2020 due to social distancing, staffing shortage
Facing uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, Pollock Community Water Park will not open this spring and instead remain closed for the rest of the year.
The current guidelines for social distancing and the realization the city "could not adequately clean and disinfect all the common-touch surfaces" led to what City Manager Mark Rohloff called "a very tough decision."
Another factor was a 45% shortage in staff, according to the city. Because schools are closed during the pandemic, the school district's recreation department wasn't able to offer lifeguard classes that train many of the lifeguards who staff the facility.
For more information, contact the city Parks Department at 920-236-5080.
- Nathaniel Shuda
HELPING OUT: How people in the Oshkosh community are finding solutions
UPDATING COVERAGE:Coronavirus in the U.S. and worldwide
There are now 76 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Winnebago County, as three new cases of the virus were reported by the county health department on Wednesday.
Statewide, there have been more than 8,900 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin and 362 people have died, according to the Department of Health Services.
Waushara County to offer free drive-thru COVID-19 testing events
The Waushura County Health Department will offer four free COVID-19 testing events. The first one is from noon to 5 p.m. May 12 at the Wild Rose Fire Department, 145 Grant Ave.
The three other events will be announced in the coming days. People should call ahead to make an appointment at 920-787-659.
The Paine cancels Festival of Spring, will host tulips blooming virtually
The Paine Art Center and Gardens announced Friday that it canceled its annual Festival of Spring and plant sale. However, people can still see its tulip display of more than 15,000 blooms virtually, on its Facebook page.
The Paine also extended the "Alphonse Mucha: Master of Art Nouveau" exhibition into August, but moved "Walk this Way" — an exhibition on historic shoes — from this summer to next summer.
- Lydia Slattery
Eight new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Winnebago County
There are now 56 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Winnebago County, as eight new cases of the virus were reported by the county health department on Thursday.
One person in Winnebago County has died from the virus, which was reported earlier this month. According to the health department, 1,129 people have tested negative and there are 112 tests pending.
Three more people in Winnebago County have tested positive for COVID-19 as of Wednesday evening, bringing the county's total number of confirmed cases 48, according to the county health department.
Of those 48 people who have been infected, one lives in a long-term care facility and 10 others live in group housing, such as correctional facilities, homeless shelters, dormitories and group homes The other 37 people do not live in group settings.
Winnebago County enters agreement with Oshkosh Area School District health care providers
The Winnebago County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to enter an agreement with Oshkosh Area School District health care providers, such as school nurses, to help provide more services to people in the county.
The nurses will provide services via phone and internet during the pandemic and afterward. Supervisor Shiloh Ramos, who represents District 5, introduced the resolution.
As of Tuesday evening, there have been 45 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Winnebago County, according to the county health department.
Statewide, there have been 6,289 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin and 300 people have died, according to the Department of Health Services.
As of Friday, there have been 42 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Winnebago County, according to the county health department.
One person in Winnebago County has died from the virus, which was reported earlier this month. According to the health department, 907 people have tested negative and there are 95 tests pending.
Statewide, there have been more than 5,350 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin and 262 people have died, according to the Department of Health Services. More than 1,350 people have been hospitalized since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in Wisconsin.
UW-Oshkosh to host spring commencement online
The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh will host its spring 2020 commencement 9:30 a.m. May 16 online due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Diplomas along with a commencement program will be mailed out to students 3-8 weeks after the last day of the term, which is June 5.
At this time, the university is planning to hold the December 2020 commencement in person. Students graduating this spring also have the option to walk at the December commencement. If interested, fill out this form online.
As of Thursday night, there have been 41 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Winnebago County, according to the county health department.
One person in Winnebago County has died from the virus, which was reported earlier this month. According to the health department, 858 people have tested negative and there are 103 tests pending.
Statewide, there more than 5,050 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin and 257 people have died, according to the Department of Health Services. More than 1,310 people have been hospitalized since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in Wisconsin.
Oshkosh West and North high schools move to online graduation ceremonies
Oshkosh West and North high schools will hold online graduation ceremonies, and diplomas will be mailed to students' homes, the school district said Thursday in a letter to families. West graduation will be at 6 p.m. June 1, and North's at 6 p.m. June 3.
The district hasn't ruled out having an in-person graduation later in the summer, but no formal plans have been made, according to the district.
Administrators still want to make students' graduations memorable and are asking for feedback, which can be filled out online.
Oshkosh school district reduces meal pick-ups to Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
The Oshkosh Area School District will offer free meal pickups Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays beginning Monday. Families will be able to pick up two days' worth of meals on Mondays and Wednesdays and three days' worth of meals on Fridays.
Families are encouraged to bring backpacks or wagons if walking to help carry all the food. So far the district has served 66,500 meals since March 17.
People can get their meals from schools around the district; to find the closest site and the menu for each day, visit the district's website.
Oshkosh Public Library to open for curbside services April 24
The Oshkosh Public Library will open for curbside pickup, by appointment only, beginning Friday, according to an announcement on Facebook.
Patrons can place holds on materials through the library's online system or by calling 920-236-5205. Phones will be staffed during regular business hours. Holds placed over the phone will be limited to five items.
Once patrons have placed a hold on an item, they will receive a phone call to schedule a time for pickup. During pickup, signs in the parking lot will direct people to an assigned stall and patrons will call to tell staff they've arrived.
Staff will bring a cart of checked-out materials to the car, or patrons can open their trunk for the items to be placed inside.
Alternate arrangements are available for people who walk or bike to the library and for those who don't have a mobile phone.
Once books are returned, they will be quarantined for at least three days. Due dates on all items have been extended to June 1. Staff cannot accept in-person returns. Instead, return materials to the Mount Vernon Street book drop. Home delivery and interlibrary loan remain suspended.
Holds that were filled before the Safer at Home Order will be the first to be available, and wait times may be longer than usual, the announcement stated.
- Noell Dickmann
As of Wednesday night, there have been 40 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Winnebago County, according to the county health department.
Statewide, there are 4,845 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin and 246 people have died, according to the Department of Health Services. More than 1,250 people have been hospitalized since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in Wisconsin.
As of Tuesday night, there have been 39 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Winnebago County, according to the county health department.
Library to consider curbside services; events through May 26 canceled
The Oshkosh Public Library staff is reviewing Gov. Tony Evers' new emergency order beginning Friday to determine whether curbside pickup for materials is a feasible option. The library will announce its decision Friday on its Facebook page.
Any special events scheduled April 24 through May 26 are canceled as the new safer-at-home order goes into effect.
UW-Oshkosh announces furloughs beginning May 4 for employees after COVID-19 leaves university with funding gap
Employees at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh will begin to be put on furlough — a leave of absence for a set amount of days — May 4 through Aug. 31 due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the university announced Monday.
The university was left with a $4 million budget shortfall, according to Leavitt. The university received $6.2 million in federal aid, but half of that must go toward student relief, according to a statement from Chancellor Andrew Leavitt.
Employees' time off will be staggered through the next few months. They will be able to apply for unemployment and keep their benefits, such as health insurance, he said.
"There is no good or preferable time to take this action. Causing this disruption to lives is difficult. It hurts people. Our hand is forced," Leavitt said in a statement.
More information is available online about the employee furloughs.
Oshkosh's GO Transit asks riders to wear face masks on buses
GO Transit is asking riders to wear masks on buses to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The mask should cover people's nose and mouths and be washed after using.
Riders should stay at least 6 feet away from one another on buses and should only ride the bus for essential travel, according to a Facebook post from the city.
People should not use face intended for healthcare workers, such as the N-95 masks. Children younger than 2 should also not wear masks.
Waushara, Green Lake and Marquette counties indefinitely postpone opening campgrounds
Health officials indefinitely postponed the openings of campgrounds in Waushara, Green Lake and Marquette counties to limit the spread of COVID-19, starting immediately, according to the Tri-County Environmental Consortium.
If campers are already on the grounds, they are allowed to stay, but authorities encourage them to return to their homes. No new campers will be allowed.
Waushura County has 15 campgrounds, Green Lake County has 12 and Marquette County has 22. If campers are already on the grounds, they are allowed to stay but authorities encourage them to return to their homes.
Oshkosh Area School District to provide four days of food on Thursday, no meals Friday
The Oshkosh Area School District revised its meal distribution plans in order to provide food during the holiday weekend.
No meals will be distributed Friday, which is Good Friday. Instead, four days' worth of food will be provided Thursday, according to the release.
Individuals are asked to wear cloth face masks and bring backpacks, reusable bags or wagons if walking to a meal site on Thursday.
Miravida Living staff tested for COVID-19 after Eden Meadows resident dies
After an Eden Meadows resident tested positive last week for the new coronavirus and later died at a hospital, Miravida Living staff also are being tested.
Nine of those 12 tests came back negative, and the remaining three were still pending as of Tuesday evening, said Carrie Kiekhaefer, marketing and communications director for Miravida Living.
In addition, an unknown number of patients whose rooms are in the Eden Rehabilitation wing also have been tested, Kiekhaefer said. Results of those tests are not expected for another couple days.
Kiekhaefer did not know Tuesday evening whether the resident who tested positive last week and later died was the same individual whose death Winnebago County health officials confirmed Monday: a man in his 60s with underlying health issues.
Miravida Living continues working with the health department and is following its recommendations and those of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Kiekhaefer said.
Hobby Lobby lays off nearly 650 workers across Wisconsin, 33 in Oshkosh
Nearly 650 employees at Hobby Lobby stores throughout Wisconsin have temporarily lost their jobs as stores closed down due to the coronavirus and safer-at-home order from Gov. Tony Evers.
"We made this decision as a result of the sudden, dramatic and unexpected downturn in business caused by the coronavirus natural disaster, including a drastic decrease in customers, a substantial loss of revenue, and the unforeseeable store closure," a human resources manager wrote in a notice filed to the state Department of Workforce Development.
Some Hobby Lobby stores in Wisconsin initially remained open after the governor's order to stay home, claiming that they were providing essential products for homes and businesses.
The state later ruled that Hobby Lobby and other craft stores must close.
Other stores the layoffs impact:
27 employees in Rib Mountain
23 employees in Rhinelander
29 employees in Rice Lake
41 employees in Appleton
60 employees in Green Bay
24 employees in Manitowoc
33 employees in Oshkosh
27 employees in Brookfield
30 employees in Menomonee Falls
28 employees in Waukesha
21 employees in West Allis
41 employees in Kenosha
29 employees in Racine
The layoffs are expected to be temporary.
- Megan Stringer
Curbside voting available in Oshkosh
Seemingly taking a page from the bars and restaurants playbook, the city of Oshkosh now will offer curbside voting during today's election.
A poll worker will bring a ballot out to your vehicle and wait until you complete it, the city's public access channel posted on its Facebook page. Put the ballot in a secrecy sleeve, and the poll worker will take it back into the polling place and put it into the voting machine.
City Manager Mark Rohloff previously anticipated a low turnout, given the city had sent out over 10,000 absentee ballots in the past few weeks. In Winnebago County, clerks had sent out 38,830 absentee ballots as of Tuesday morning, according to the Wisconsin Elections Commission.
For live updates throughout the day from Tuesday's election, click here.
Winnebago County's first COVID-19 patient to die was in his 60s, had underlying health issues
A man in his 60s was the first person in Winnebago County to die from the new coronavirus, after a 30% increase in confirmed cases over the weekend, officials said.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services reported the county's first COVID-19 patient death Monday afternoon. The man was hospitalized and had underlying health issues, county health officer Doug Gieryn later confirmed.
"This tragic loss is a reminder of how important the Safer at Home order is in the protection of our most vulnerable residents," Gieryn said in a statement.
As of Monday afternoon, the county had 24 confirmed cases (up from 18 reported Friday), and 436 negative test results, according to the state. Across Wisconsin, at least 85 coronavirus patients have died, according to numbers compiled by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and 2,440 residents have tested positive for the virus.
"We must all stay home, maintain distance from others, end unnecessary shopping trips and avoid gatherings," Gieryn said. "We currently aren't doing enough. The actions we take now can significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19."
18 confirmed coronavirus cases in Winnebago County
Another person in Winnebago County has tested positive for coronavirus, bringing the county's total to 18 confirmed cases.
The new case was reported Saturday afternoon by the state Department of Health Services. As of Saturday afternoon, 335 people have tested negative for COVID-19 in Winnebago County and no one has died.
Statewide, there are at least 2,112 confirmed cases and 56 deaths.
Winnebago County confirms 17th case of the new coronavirus, 263 negative tests
There now are 17 people in Winnebago County who have tested positive for the new coronavirus, the county health department announced.
One more person tested positive as of 4 p.m. Thursday, according to the health department. The number of negative results rose by 31 to 263, while 135 test results are still pending.
Those numbers don't include the city of Menasha, which operates its own health department and confirmed its first positive case Wednesday.
Oshkosh Area School District to offer free meals for weekends
The Oshkosh Area School District will begin offering free meals to last through the weekend on Friday. The weekend meals can be picked up on Fridays as part of the district's grab-and-go meal program.
The weekend meals are available at Oshkosh schools. Visit the district website for each week's menu and more information about the program.
Resident at Eden Meadows tests positive
A resident at the Eden Meadows rehabilitation center in Oshkosh tested positive for COVID-19.
The resident is in the hospital receiving care, according to a new release. Some staff members have symptoms of coronavirus and are in self-quarantine. Arrangements are being made for them to be tested.
"We want to make residents, their families, our dedicated staff, and our community aware of this situation and reassure everyone that we are actively monitoring the status of our residents and team."
Winnebago County coronavirus cases up to 16
A total of 16 people now have tested positive for the new coronavirus in Winnebago County, local health officials announced.
As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, there were also 232 negative tests and 137 pending, according to the Winnebago County Public Health Department. Statewide, at least 1,550 people have tested positive, while there have been 18,819 negative test results and 24 deaths, as of 2 p.m. Wednesday. Almost 400 people have been hospitalized.
The county health department also clarified some confusion regarding an isolation center being set up in Oshkosh.
"There is not an isolation center set up in Oshkosh at this time," health officials said. "However, we are working with other entities to have one ready if the need ever does arrive here."
Oshkosh Public Library staff available to witness absentee ballots; City Hall drop box available
Oshkosh Public Library staff is available to witness the completion and signing of absentee ballots for city residents during regular library hours, the city announced.
As a reminder, absentee voters must complete and sign their ballots and sign the envelope in front of a witness, according to the city. Voters also must bring an acceptable photo ID, such as a driver's license, and only one person at a time will be allowed at the library, 106 Washington Ave.
After getting a witness signature, absentee voters may submit their ballots via the drop the box in front of City Hall, 215 Church Ave. before 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.
For those who absolutely must vote in person April 7, elections officials also have changed its District 10 (wards 19, 20, 35, 38 and 41) polling place from Living Water Lutheran Church to Calvary Lutheran Church, 2580 W. Ninth Ave, according to the city.
The city previously changed its polling places for District 2 from Reeve Memorial Union to St. John's Lutheran Church, 808 N. Main St., and District 16 from the Sunnyview Expo Center to the Elks Lodge, 175 W. Fernau Ave.
Fox Valley fire departments announce regional partnership
The fire departments for Oshkosh, Appleton, Grand Chute, Fox Crossing, Kaukauna and Neenah-Menasha have formed a partnership in preparation for increased demand related to the pandemic.
"This collaborative agreement will allow for more flexibility in the sharing of personnel and resources in order to most effectively meet the needs of our regional community during these unprecedented times," the departments said in a statement released Wednesday morning.
The agreement differs from existing mutual aid agreements in that it allows for resources to be shared across borders in an effort to prevent emergency responders or health care providers from being overwhelmed.
The duration of the agreement will be determined by the length of the emergency declaration. Each department will continue to have control of their daily operations, but Grand Chute Fire Chief Tim Bantes was selected to serve as the regional coordinator for the agreement, based on his nearly 35 years of experience.
- Chris Mueller
Winnebago County confirms 12th case of the new coronavirus
As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, there were also 205 negative tests and 116 pending, according to the health department. In the state, 1,351 have tested positive, while there have been 17,375 negative cases and 16 deaths, as of 2 p.m. Tuesday.
Winnebago County confirms four new cases of COVID-19, putting total at 11
The Winnebago County Health Department confirmed the 11th case of the new coronavirus in the county, up four cases over the weekend.
As of 4 p.m. Monday, there were 183 negative cases, up 24 from the day before and 102 pending cases, up six from the day before, according to the health department.
City of Oshkosh moves District 16 polling place to the Elks Lodge for April 7 election
The city has moved the polling place for District 16, which includes wards 30, 31 and 32, from the Sunnyview Expo Center to the Elks Lodge, 175 W. Fernau Ave., for the April 7 election.
City elections officials continue to encourage voters to cast absentee ballots and to use the dropbox outside of City Hall, 215 Church Ave., instead of mailing them in.
Seventh coronavirus case confirmed in Winnebago County
Another person in Winnebago County has tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the county's total to seven confirmed cases, according to the Winnebago County Health Department.
The new case came two days after the last case was confirmed in the county.
As of 4 p.m. Friday, there have been 123 negative tests in Winnebago County and there are 112 pending tests, according to the health department.
City suspends late fees for all utility bills
The city is suspending late fees for all utility bills, such as sewer and water.
Officials encourage residents to keep paying their bills by the due dates, if possible by mail, electronically or via the dropbox outside City Hall, 215 Church Ave. In-person transactions at City Hall have been suspended.
For information on how to make online payments go to ci.oshkosh.wi.us/OnlineBillPay.
Waushara County offices to remain open, by appointment only, starting Monday
Only those who make an appointment will be allowed into any Waushara County building, starting at 8 a.m. Monday, March 30, as officials aim to reduce the spread of the new coronavirus.
People who need to conduct business with the county must call ahead to the appropriate department, and only one entrance will be open on each building — Courthouse Door H, on the south side of the building, and the North Annex Building, on the west side of the building, according to the county.
Waushara County Circuit Court will remain open for "essential functions," including restraining orders, according to the county. Some court hearings will be held via phone or video or will be canceled. Call the court at 920-787-0441 with any questions.
City of Oshkosh moves District 2 polling place, still encouraging absentee voting by mail
The city of Oshkosh changed the District 2 (Wards 3 and 4) polling place for the April 7 election from Reeve Memorial Union, 748 Algoma Blvd., to St. John's Lutheran Church, 808 N. Main St., the city announced Thursday.
Officials continue to encourage people to vote by mail by requesting an absentee ballot online at myvote.wi.gov, or by sending a letter, including your name, address, date of birth, the date of the election and a copy of your photo identification, such as a driver's license, to the City Clerk's Office, 215 Church Ave., Oshkosh, WI 54903.
Absentee ballot request (EL-121) forms also are available online at elections.wi.gov/forms. Request forms are due by 5 p.m. April 2, and ballots must be received (not postmarked) by 4:30 p.m. April 7 either by mail or via the City Hall dropbox.
Sixth coronavirus case confirmed in Winnebago County
Another person in Winnebago County has tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the county's total to six confirmed cases, according to the Winnebago County Health Department.
The new case came a week after the last case was confirmed in the county.
As of 5 p.m. Wednesday, there have been 104 negative tests in Winnebago County and there are 71 pending tests, according to the health department.
Ascension will not bill patients for COVID-19 testing, treatment
Ascension is offering added financial assistance to northeastern Wisconsin patients amid the coronavirus outbreak in Wisconsin.
According to a news release from Ascension, the health care system has taken the following steps to help patients avoid added financial burden:
Patients without insurance will not be billed for COVID-19 related testing or treatment.
Patients who are insured will not be billed for out-of-pocket expenses, such as co-pays, related to COVID-19 testing or treatment.
Financial assistance applications will be valid for one year to reduce the burden of re-application
The payment grace period has been extended to four months (120 days). Patients who are unable to make their monthly payments should call the number listed on their billing statement to have a hold placed on their account.
Ascension operates Ascension NE Wisconsin Mercy Hospital in Oshkosh.
For additional information on financial assistance in Ascension Wisconsin, visit: healthcare.ascension.org/Financial-Assistance/Wisconsin.
City suspends late fees for water bills, will not disconnect services
The city is suspending all late fees for water bills using Oshkosh's system. The city will not disconnect any service, such as water, during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Department of Workforce Development closes job centers, online and phone services continue
All Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development job centers will be closed starting Wednesday to comply with Gov. Tony Evers' "Safer at Home" emergency order. Online and phone services will continue.
Individuals seeking to file for unemployment compensation can go online to apply the week they become unemployed. They will have to file a weekly claim each week they need benefits.
The phone number for Calumet, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Waupaca, Waushara, and Winnebago counties is 920-997-3272.
-Nusaiba Mizan
Seniors Center to stream workout classes on public access
Oshkosh Seniors Center to offer workout classes through Oshkosh Media
The Oshkosh Seniors Center wants people to stay healthy during quarantine, so the center is offering workout classes through Oshkosh Media
People can stream the workouts through Oshkosh Seniors Center Facebook page, Oshkosh Community Media Life TV on Channel 2 and on the Oshkosh Media YouTube channel.
Classes will air at 8 a.m. Mondays through Fridays, and additional classes will air at 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4 p.m. Wednesdays and 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sundays.
The segments will last 30 minutes, but the workouts will have 10-minute intervals and won't require any special equipment and can be modified based on everyone's level of ability.
Sessions will include aerobic classes, upper and lower body workouts and core work.
Oshkosh schools follow city's lead, close playgrounds
Taking the lead from the city, the Oshkosh Area School District closed all its playgrounds Monday in an effort to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.
Police will monitor the playgrounds, Superintendent Vickie Cartwright said Monday in a letter to families.
Oshkosh closes playgrounds at city parks; yard waste drop-off center moves to summer hours April 1
The city of Oshkosh closed all playgrounds at city parks Monday in an effort to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.
All parks and trails remain open, though officials encourage users to practice social distancing and remind them not to gather in groups of 10 or more.
Meanwhile, the city's yard waste drop-off center, on Third Avenue, between Idaho and Ohio streets, will enact summer hours starting April 1, according to the city. The site will be open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Permits are required and may be purchased by mail (applications are available online) or at Kitz & Pfeil Ace Hardware, 427 N. Main St., according to the city. Single-vehicle permits cost $25 for city residents and $125 for nonresidents and are valid through Dec. 31.
UW-Oshkosh prepares to house coronavirus patients, people under quarantine, if needed
The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh will be one of at least three UW System campuses working with the state to make rooms available for local coronavirus patients, should the need arise.
Over the weekend, the university responded to a request from the departments of Health Services and Administration, along with the UW System, to make its residence halls available for what officials called mild cases or those in need of quarantine, if local hospitals are unable to meet the demand, Chancellor Andrew Leavitt said Monday during a video news conference.
"We are a state facility, and we want to be good stewards of those assets," Leavitt said. UW campuses in Madison and Milwaukee also are involved in the efforts.
The university put out a call about noon Sunday for volunteers with a background in health care and to be involved in data entry to help prepare, Leavitt said. That call garnered over 100 responses within about five hours, most of which came from students.
"These are clearly unprecedented times for all of us, and I was really heartened by the response from the community," he said. "In just a few hours we were able to secure over 100 people to help out."
While the state would determine which and how many residence halls it would need, the university is making all of them available and is looking at starting with Horizon Village and Gruenhagen Conference Center, Leavitt said.
The university is in the third and final day of moving students out of the residence halls, Leavitt said. Cleaning crews would follow, after which the rooms would be available, most likely within the next couple days.
Ascension accepting donations for protective equipment
Ascension Wisconsin is asking for donations for personal protective equipment.
This includes Ascension NE Wisconsin Mercy Hospital in Oshkosh.
Supplies being requested for donation are:
Earloop or Tie Masks
Faceshields
Controlled Air Purifying Respirators (CAPR)
Other approved PPE supplies advised by the CDC
Companies or anyone interested should email Ascension Wisconsin's Foundation partners at AscensionWIFoundations@ascension.org. The donation will be picked up and delivered to the Ascension location.
- Benita Mathew
Ascension stopping in-person visitation
Ascension Wisconsin will stop nearly all in-person visitation beginning Saturday morning, the hospital chain announced.
There are some exceptions on a case-by-case basis, including labor and delivery, pediatrics, neonatal intensive care and end-of-life care.
Ascension also updated its policy for those who are allowed inside the hospital:
All visitors, associates, clinicians and vendors entering Ascension Wisconsin facilities will be screened for flu-like symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose/nasal congestion and or sore throat.
Visitors who screen positive for cough, fever or difficulty breathing will not be permitted into the facility.
To implement this, Ascension Wisconsin facilities will be implementing minimized entrance points as needed.
Visitors under the age of 18 will not be permitted.
The hospital asked those who want to visit patients to communicate by calling, video chatting, or texting.
Berlin Job Center closes to further community spread
The Berlin Job Center, 237 Broadway St., will be closed, effective immediately, for the foreseeable future, the Fox Valley Workforce Development Board announced Friday.
The center's landlord closed the building to all nonemployees to reduce the community spread of the new coronavirus, according to the agency. To file for unemployment benefits or look for jobs, visit jobcenterofwisconsin.com. The latest on job center hours, including centers that remain open and fully staffed, can be found at foxvalleyjobcenters.com.
The closure comes nearly a week after job centers in Waupaca and Wautoma closed inside campuses of Fox Valley Technical College. The Workforce Development Board also canceled job fairs set for May 13 at Berlin High School and May 19 at the Menominee Nation Arena in Oshkosh.
City discourages all but 'absolutely necessary' travel on GO Transit
The city of Oshkosh's bus service, GO Transit, remains operational, but officials are asking riders to limit their use to "absolutely necessary" travel, such as going to work, medical or other necessary appointments and for needed shopping, according to an update from the city.
"Riders should spread out as far as possible while on the bus," the update states. "Additionally, all riders, except for those with mobility issues and/or devices or those needing additional assistance should board at the front door and exit using the back door."
UW System will refund housing and dining costs
The University of Wisconsin System announced all UW schools would provide prorated refunds on room and board for students who vacate university housing this spring.
Most UW schools have announced the move to remote or online classes will run through the end of the semester, at least. The reimbursements will be issued by the end of the semester.
"We recognize the tremendous upheaval this pandemic has inflicted on the lives of our students, and we appreciate their patience and their sacrifice," System President Ray Cross said. "This reimbursement is the right thing to do."
- Devi Shastri
City encourages absentee voting; some municipal court hearings rescheduled; Oshkosh Seniors Center meals offered only by delivery
If people are registered to vote, they can request an absentee ballot by mail at myvote.wi.gov. The city is encouraging people vote by mail, but polls will be open April 7, according to the city.
All initial appearances in municipal court for traffic, inspection and juvenile citations and forfeitures through June 5 have been rescheduled, according to the city. Notices of new hearings will go out.
Have questions about other court hearings? Contact the Winnebago County Clerk of Courts at 920-236-4808. If you want to talk to a prosecutor about your municipal court case, call the City Attorney's Office at 920-236-5115.
The Oshkosh Seniors Center meal program is delivery-only until further notice. The center is not providing any meals in the building.
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Two new confirmed cases in Winnebago County linked to previous case, officials say
Two new confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in Winnebago County are linked to one of the three previously reported cases, according to the county health department.
This brings the county's total number of confirmed cases in to five, though as of Wednesday evening, the state Department of Health Services had not included the two new cases in its official count.
So far in Winnebago County, there have been 28 negative results and 34 tests pending, though there is no evidence to show the virus is spreading from within the community, according to the health department.
Fox Valley Technical College closed
All Fox Valley Technical College locations are closed and classes are resuming online, the college announced Wednesday.
This college will remain closed until further notice, as well as the Parent Child Center. Faculty and staff are working remotely.
"Although we don't have answers to every question regarding current classes and training, we are doing everything possible with our varied offerings to continue our services as much as possible," the college said. "Our faculty and staff are continuing to work from their homes to accomplish this. We will communicate more information in the coming days and weeks."
UW-Oshkosh cancels spring commencement ceremonies, extends online learning to June 5
The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh will continue holding classes online or through alternative means until June 5, the University announced.
Spring commencement ceremonies also have been canceled, though officials might reschedule them for a later date, according to the University.
Officials also are requiring students to return to their permanent residences, unless they can prove just cause to remain on campus, according to the university. Starting Monday, only employees needed to deliver necessary campus services that cannot be done remotely may remain on campus.
Go Transit transfer station warming shelter closed
The warming shelter at the Go Transit transfer station has closed, though the city buses continue operating, according to the city.
Oshkosh Area United Way, Community Foundation launch relief fund
The Oshkosh Area United Way and the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation launched the Oshkosh COVID-19 Relief Fund.
"This fund is designed to give added support to those organizations on the front lines of caring for vulnerable populations and providing a safety net for individuals impacted by the loss of jobs and benefits or the closure of institutions," Community Foundation President and CEO Bill Wyman said in a joint statement.
Funds will be granted to nonprofits on a rolling basis as fundraising continues throughout the outbreak and recovery phases of the crisis, according to the statement.
A joint fund distribution subcommittee will review all financial requests to ensure fiscally responsible allocations. All fund requests can be directed to Candice Lane at candice@oshkoshunitedway.org.
Initial funding has been donated by the Oshkosh Area United Way and Oshkosh Area Community Foundation. Donations are encouraged from the local Oshkosh community.
For more information on how to donate, visit the Oshkosh Area United Way's website or the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation website.
City Hall is open only for early voting and voter registration
Oshkosh City Hall, 215 Church Ave., is open for early voters and voter registration, but all other services remain closed. People should bring their own pens when voting. People are encouraged to vote absentee.
Voting takes place in the City Clerk's Office in Room 108. Here are the times people can vote:
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays to Fridays through April 2
9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 28
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, April 3
Both Oshkosh YMCA locations to close excluding childcare centers
The Oshkosh YMCA will close both its locations beginning at 8 p.m. Monday, but childcare services will remain in operation at both locations, the agency announced.
If people have additional questions, they can call the YMCA at 920-236-3380 for the downtown location or 920-230-8439 for the 20th Avenue location.
Oshkosh city buildings to close to the public starting Tuesday
Starting at 7 a.m. Tuesday all city of Oshkosh buildings, including City Hall, will close to the public.
The Oshkosh Police Department lobby and Oshkosh Fire Department stations are strongly discouraging walk-in services, according to the city. Emergency services and Go Transit will continue to operate as usual.
City employees will continue working, so if anyone has questions, they may call the corresponding department.
Oshkosh Area Community Pantry remains open for those in need
The Oshkosh Area Community Pantry remains open to those in need, the pantry announced Monday.
Pantry staff and volunteers are enacting social distancing techniques, including reducing the number of and rearranging public seats, heightening sanitation measures and allowing only people who are symptom free, according to operations manager Jordan Wind.
If you are in need of food but are sick or showing symptoms, the pantry encourages you to ask someone else to pickup food for you from the pantry.
League of Women Voters candidate forums canceled
The League of Women Voters of Winnebago County candidate forums for Oshkosh Common Council, Oshkosh Area School District Board of Education and Winnebago County Board of Supervisors, originally set for 6:30 p.m. Monday, has been canceled.
Marcus Theatres limits movie auditoriums to 50% capacity
Marcus Theatres Corp. is limiting seating at all of its movie auditoriums to 50% capacity.
"Additional space will also be added between each pair of seats to provide a more comfortable social distance," according to a notice posted on its website. A graphic shows two empty seats between each two that are occupied. Extra space may be added based on local directives.
Marcus Theatres owns Bay Park Cinema in Ashwaubenon, Green Bay East Cinema, Hollywood Cinema in Grand Chute, Valley Grand Cinema in Buchanan, Oshkosh Cinema and Sheboygan Cinema, among others in Wisconsin.
- Kendra Meinert
The Paine Art Center and Gardens closes to the public through April 6
The Paine Art Center and Gardens will close to the pubic through April 6, the center announced Sunday evening.
Oshkosh Public Library to close through April 5
The Oshkosh Public Library will close through April 5, city officials announced Sunday. The following policies have been put into place:
Library materials will not be available for checkout.
Fines will not be issued for materials currently checked out through April 6, though materials may be returned to the drop boxes outside the library on Mount Vernon Street. Do not return items to the drop box at Evergreen Retirement Community.
Holds on items have been suspended until the library reopens April 6, and home delivery service has been discontinued until further notice.
Roving Reader visits to childcare providers have been canceled, and volunteers should not report to the library.
Oshkosh public schools providing free meals for students while classes are canceled
Beginning Tuesday, The Oshkosh Area School District will be providing free meals for students while schools are closed. The meals can be picked up Monday through Friday at "grab and go" locations set up outside of the school. They will include milk, a sack lunch, and breakfast for the next day. No identification or proof of enrollment is required.
The pickup locations and times are:
Perry Tipler Middle School: 11 - 11:40 a.m.
Jefferson Elementary School: Noon - 12:40 p.m.
Oaklawn Elementary School: 10:45 - 11:15 a.m.
Merrill Elementary School: 11:30 a.m. - Noon
Webster Stanley Middle School: 12:15 - 12:45 p.m.
Oshkosh North High School: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
The menu can be found on the district website.
City of Oshkosh cancels events with more than 250 people
The city of Oshkosh has canceled all permitted events or gatherings of 250 or more people until April 11. City officials also urge organizers to cancel other events with more than 250 people in Oshkosh.
Other changes implemented by the city include:
Effective Monday, March 16, events at the Grand Opera House and the Oshkosh Convention Center will be limited to less than 250 persons. These facilities may also postpone or cancel events at their discretion.
The Oshkosh Seniors Center and the Oshkosh Public Museum will be closed until Monday, April 13.
Parking passes purchased for the month of March have been extended and will expire May 1.
For the most current list of city of Oshkosh cancellations and closures as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, visit ci.oshkosh.wi.us.
Fox Valley Workforce Development closes job centers, postpones job fairs
The Fox Valley Workforce Development Board has temporarily closed two job centers and postponed two job fairs, the organization announced Friday.
The Waupaca Job Center at 1979 Godfrey Drive and the Wautoma Job Center at 556 South Cambridge St., both inside campuses of Fox Valley Technical College, will remain closed throughout the college's two-week spring break. The centers are expected to open the week of March 30.
The job fair scheduled for May 13 at Berlin High School and the May 19 job fair at the Menominee Nation Arena in Oshkosh have both been postponed. An announcement about the April 9 job fair at the Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds is expected next week, according to a news release.
The organization is encouraging employers and those looking for work check out jobcenterofwisconsin.com. The latest on job center hours, including centers that remain open and fully staffed, can be found at foxvalleyjobcenters.com.
Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh closes indefinitely
The Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh will be closed indefinitely, according to its Facebook page.
Tracy Ogden, director of advancement, said it's the first time the club, which serves about 1,700 families in Oshkosh, has ever had to close.
Staff members are directing families to the school district's meal pickup offering, she said.
— Noell Dickmann
Lourdes cancels in-person classes until April 6
Lourdes Academy will cancel in-person classes until April 6.
On Monday, staff should report work to prepare for virtual learning, according to a letter Lourdes Academy President John Dinegan sent Friday to families. On Tuesday, all school buildings will be open for parents and/or high-schoolers to pick up materials and get their questions answered.
The rest of the week, schools will be closed for teachers to prepare for virtual learning, which will run March 23 through April 3, according to the letter.
Oshkosh schools canceled until further notice; staff must still report to work Monday.
The Oshkosh Area School District is canceling classes until further notice, though all staff members still must report for work Monday, Superintendent Vickie Cartwright said Friday evening in a letter to families.
District leaders made the decision to cancel classes starting Monday just hours after Gov. Tony Evers announced all public and private schools in the state would shut down starting Wednesday and a day after state health officials announced two confirmed cases of the coronavirus, COVID-19, in Fond du Lac County.
"At-Home Learning" options are in place, and students were told to bring their Chromebooks and chargers home on a daily basis, according to the district. If that approach doesn't work for certain students or families, staff will work to identify other options.
— Nathaniel Shuda
Oshkosh Community YMCA will announce programming Monday for when schools close
The Oshkosh Community YMCA is putting together programming and staff to work during school closures beginning on Wednesday, CEO Jeff Schneider said. The Y will likely have a formal announcement for the programs and signup options Monday.
For more information about the Oshkosh Y, visit the website, oshkoshymca.org.
— Lydia Slattery
Oshkosh Seniors Center closes for 30 days
The Oshkosh Seniors Center will close at the end of the day Friday for 30 days after City Manager Mark Rohloff declared a state of emergency, according to the city.
Programs and services will be rescheduled, senior services manager Jean Wollerman said. The center will take phone calls at 920-232-5300 and plans to share updates on the city's website, www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us, and the center's Facebook page, facebook.com/OshkoshSeniorsCenter.
State postpones job fairs in Oshkosh and Berlin, temporarily closes Wautoma job center
The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development is postponing job fairs in Oshkosh and Berlin and temporarily closing its job centers inside Fox Valley Technical College campuses in Wautoma and Waupaca.
The Berlin job fair, scheduled for May 13 at Berlin High School, and the Oshkosh job fair, set for May 19 at the Menominee Nation Arena, will be postponed until further notice, according to the state agency.
Officials encourage local employers to post jobs at jobcenterofwisconsin.com and local job seekers to register and look for jobs on the website.
Oshkosh Public Library cancels public programs, events and meetings
In response to the City of Oshkosh declaring a state of emergency, the Oshkosh Public Library canceled all public programs, events and meetings through April 11, according to a statement on its website.
The library will remain open with regular hours. Hand sanitizer is available at various points in the building and staff implemented a more stringent cleaning schedule, according to the statement. Toys, puzzles and other high-touch items in the children's department have been removed for cleaning.
Catholics exempt from Mass obligation for next three Sundays, bishop says
Citing the need to keep people safe, healthy and free from fear related to the COVID-19, Bishop David Ricken announced Friday that Catholics in Brown and 15 other area counties are exempt from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass for the next three weekends.
Mass will continue to be celebrated at churches throughout the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay, but the bishop is leaving the decision of whether to attend up to individuals, Ricken said in a news release.
Catholics who choose not to attend Mass "are urged to remain home and pray fervently for healing, hope, and peace for all those affected by this illness," Ricken said.
The diocese serves 324,000 Catholics in Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, Forest, Kewaunee, Langlade, Manitowoc, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, Waupaca, Waushara and Winnebago counties.
—Doug Schneider
Two more Oshkosh schools undergo deep cleaning as a precaution
Two more Oshkosh schools underwent a deep cleaning after an individual at each school might have had contact with a Fond du Lac County resident state officials confirmed has the new coronavirus.
A student at Merrill Middle School, and an after-school teacher in the Webster Stanley Elementary Lighted School House program might have had secondary contact with one of the people from Fond du Lac County, according to letters the district sent to families.
The deep cleaning happened overnight as a precautionary measure, even though the Winnebago County Health Department did not recommend it, according to the school district.
"Because the individual is not showing any signs of being sick, the Health Department considers this to be a VERY LOW threat for our school community," according to the school district.
Oshkosh Saturday Farmers Market and Spring Bazaar canceled
The Oshkosh Farmers Market and Spring Bazaar, scheduled for Saturday at the Oshkosh Convention Center, has been canceled. There is no market scheduled for March 21; the next market is set for March 28.
Oshkosh public schools cancel after-school, evening events
Effective Monday, the district is canceling after-school and evening events, including athletic practices and competitions, and school-sponsored trips until further notice, the district announced Thursday. Oshkosh Recreation Department activities using school or district facilities also have been canceled indefinitely.
After-school care programs will cease after Friday. The district said in a news release it will provide affected families with additional information, but did not say when.
WPS cancels 60th WPS Farm Show in Oshkosh
Wisconsin Public Service is canceling its 60th WPS Farm Show, which was set to take place March 31 to April 2 on the Experimental Aircraft Association grounds at the Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.
At this time WPS anticipates hosting the WPS Farm Show again in 2021.
Oshkosh public schools cancel 'public large gatherings'
The Oshkosh Area School District has canceled all "public large gatherings" originally scheduled for Thursday.
Practices and extracurricular activities and after-school care will continue as usual, according to a notice the district sent families Thursday afternoon. As of that time, classes will continue as usual.
UW-Oshkosh working to move classes online, develop alternatives to labs
It will take a "tremendous amount of effort" for the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh to moved classes online, Chancellor Andrew Leavitt said during a news conference Thursday afternoon.
About 80% of classes will be able to be offered online, but experiential classes, such as biology labs, can't be offered online, Leavitt said. In those cases, the university will have to work on how to provide those classes.
Student workers are considered university employees and may work if there is a critical need for the jobs, Leavitt said.
"The health and safety of our university remains our primary concern," he said.
Some students, including international ones, will have to remain on campus, Leavitt said. The university is considering moving all students on campus to one residence hall for hygiene purposes, but there are no official plans at this time, he said.
The Grand Oshkosh postpones FanFAIRE starring Alpin Hong
The Grand Oshkosh will postpone FanFAIRE Oshkosh 2020, originally set for April 4, until further notice.
"We are exploring options for a future date, and we look forward to bringing the Oshkosh community together to celebrate FanFAIRE as soon as possible and will keep you posted," according to a statement from The Grand.
Featuring Alpin Hong and 300 local students, the concert will celebrate video games, programs, movies and superheroes. There also will be a pre-event convention.
EAA cancels Hops & Props fundraiser
The Experimental Aircraft Association has canceled this year's Hops & Props event, scheduled for Saturday at the EAA Aviation Museum.
EAA will immediately begin refunding ticket purchases, according to the association. Ticketholders will see a credit on their bank or credit card statements within seven to 10 days.
UW-Oshkosh suspends classes March 16-30
The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh will suspend classes at all three of its campuses the week of March 16 before spring break begins March 22, the university announced.
All university-sponsored events and those held on campus are canceled and all UWO-sponsored travel is suspended immediately, according to a bulletin from the university. The university, including residence halls, will remain open, but officials are asking students to return to their permanent residences
When classes resume March 30, they will be through alternative methods.
Perry Tipler Middle School undergoes precautionary 'deep cleaning'
A local middle school underwent a precautionary cleaning after the district found out a school volunteer works with a Fond du Lac County resident who state officials confirmed has the new coronavirus.
Perry Tipler Middle School, 325 S. Eagle St., underwent a deep cleaning overnight as a precautionary measure, according to a letter sent Thursday to families. The volunteer is not a confirmed case but had contact with the infected person nine days ago.
"Because the individual is not showing any signs of being sick and with the lapse of time, the Health Department considers this to be a VERY LOW threat for our school community," the letter stated.
The school district is working closely with the Winnebago County Health Department to monitor active cases in the region, according to the district.
Coronavirus Awareness and Information - Oshkosh Area School District
OASD Letter - COVID-19 Precautionary Cleaning at Perry Tipler 03.12.20.pdf
UW-Oshkosh cancels organized spring break trips amid coronavirus concerns
The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh has recalled a student home from Italy and canceled a trip to South Korea over concerns about the new coronavirus.
Two spring break trips sponsored by Reeve Memorial Union also have been canceled, according to the university.
"We strongly discourage non-essential international and domestic travel over spring break," the university said in a bulletin issued Wednesday.
Spring break falls one week later than many other campuses, giving officials more time to monitor the situation and make any decisions they deem necessary, according to the bulletin.
Meanwhile, information technology and instructional staff members are setting up ways to teach students remotely, should officials decide to suspend on-campus classes, according to the university. If and when that should happen, faculty and staff will get detailed information on how to do so.
Students who are leaving campus for spring break should take "essential belongings, academic materials, laptops and medications home with them," the university said.
For the time being, the campus remains open, and the university expects employees to report to work, "unless directed by their dean, director or supervisor."
Contact Nathaniel Shuda at 920-426-6632 or nshuda@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @onwnshuda or Facebook at facebook.com/onwnshuda.
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