1. Public Health
  2. Coronavirus

Coronavirus

Updatedperson sitting at table reading on tablet computer 4/4/2020 at 8:40am.
There is a novel type of coronavirus (COVID-19) that has spread to over 100 countries. Governor Evers declared this a Public Health Emergency in Wisconsin on March 12, 2020.

Visit the CDC website for information about COVID-19 basics.

Dane County Coronavirus Snapshot 

Launch Data Dashboard

  • As of April 4 at 8:30am, there are 256 people who have tested positive for coronavirus in Dane County.
  • When you leave home, assume that you will come into contact with COVID-19. Stay home so you don’t increase your likelihood of getting sick, and you reduce the risk of getting others sick too. All community members should be monitoring themselves for symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat) and isolating themselves from others as soon as they develop these symptoms. Our fact sheet has more information.
  • You can still go outside if you're alone or with your household members. Remember to practice social distancing if you see others. So go for a bike ride, walk your dog, and play in the yard--just do so safely!
  • On March 27, 2020, Dane County Executive Parisi and Madison Mayor Rhodes-Conway issued a news release acknowledging that our community has hit a critical point in our response to COVID-19 and will face more challenges given the evidence of community spread. Both are urging members of the community to immediately take further steps to reduce their travel and in person interaction.See past news releases on our news page.
  • For the statewide picture, visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services outbreaks page.

Safer at Home Order

On March 24, 2020, a state Safer at Home Order was issued which prohibits all nonessential travel (exceptions are defined in the order). The order will be in effect until April 24, 2020. See the press release and Frequently Asked Questions for details. Download our Safer at Home 101 flyer

  • Public Health Madison & Dane County has developed a document  listing businesses and other places in Dane County that they have deemed opened or closed per the order. If you are unsure if your business is considered essential, please visit the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. 
  • Law enforcement will assist in enforcing this order, but we are counting on the good judgment of residents in deciding when to go out. The intention of this order is not penalize individuals but to keep everyone safe during the pandemic. If you have reviewed the order, our list, and the FAQs and believe a non-essential businesses is operating unlawfully or an essential business is not following social distancing orders, please email us. 
  • On March 25, 2020, we issued an order to adopt the Safer at Home order. With our order, we show support for Safer at Home and local enforcement responsibilities.
  • To see all orders issued from Governor Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, see the Governor's Executive Orders webpage. 

Recommendations

Read our recommendations and guidance for ways to stay safe and healthy. Our FAQ page has additional information for common questions about testing, and ways to help. People should:

  • Stay home as much as possible. This means not leaving your home unless absolutely necessary. 

    • When you leave home, assume that you will come into contact with COVID-19. Stay home so you don’t increase your likelihood of getting sick, and you reduce the risk of getting others sick too. 
    • You can still go outside if you're alone or with your household members. Remember to practice social distancing if you see others. So go for a bike ride, walk your dog, and play in the yard--just do so safely!
  • Continue strong everyday prevention measures. Wash your hands often and cover your sneezes and coughs with a tissue or your elbow.
  • Monitor for symptoms. All community members should be monitoring themselves for symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat) and isolating themselves from others as soon as they develop these symptoms. Our fact sheet has more information.