Wisconsinites beware: Scammers are preying on pandemic fears — 3/26/20

A roundup of top news and information about Wisconsin’s response to the coronavirus

Wisconsin Watch is a nonprofit newsroom that focuses on government integrity and quality of life issues, and we always provide our news for free.

You can read all of our coronavirus/COVID-19 coverage by signing up for our Wisconsin COVID-19 Update newsletter, and please consider becoming a member to support our nonprofit journalism. 

Of note: Today we highlight a story by FairWarning, with additional reporting from Wisconsin Watch. FairWarning’s Alexandra Tempus, a former Wisconsin Watch intern, details how fraudsters are preying on people’s fears, anxiety and confusion to execute a range of schemes, including stealing identities and selling bogus cures.

Top stories 

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

An unemployment benefits application form. Wisconsin processed nearly 20,000 new unemployment claims on Wednesday, almost 30 times the number from the same day a year ago.

Here come the frauds: From bogus vaccine kits to ‘Silver Solution,’ coronavirus cons begin FairWarning/Wisconsin Watch

Jobless claims hit nearly 20,000 on Wednesday as coronavirus continues to take economic toll Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 

County clerks’ guidance on voter ID law amid pandemic irks Wisconsin GOP Wisconsin Public Radio

Calculate how much you’ll get from the $1,200 (or more) coronavirus checks The Washington Post

Wisconsin grocers take varied steps to keep customers and employees healthy, safe amid coronavirus concerns Green Bay Press-Gazette

Racine mayor calls for postponing April 7 election Journal Times 

La Crosse County nurse shares her experience after being diagnosed with COVID-19 La Crosse Tribune

What are we missing? And how are you coping? Help us provide critical information and accountability by filling out this form or emailing us at tips@wisconsinwatchmediapartners.wpcomstaging.com.

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Government updates

Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Gov. Tony Evers’ office

U.S. Centers and Disease Control and Prevention

World Health Organization

Live updates

Live blog from Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and USA Today-Wisconsin reporters 

Latest coverage from Wisconsin State Journal reporters

Stat to note: 

At least 707 Wisconsinites have tested positive for COVID-19, and eight people have died, the Department of Health Services announced Thursday. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel later reported that the virus had killed two additional Milwaukee County residents.

Quotable

“Social distancing is also an act of generosity and compassion toward others by eliminating our interactions as a possible vector for viral transmission. Let that sink in – the primary motivation for social distancing is to benefit others.”

Richard Davidson, founder and director of the Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

“We are on the brink of catastrophic consequences resulting from the continued shortage of critical supplies. The federal government must act decisively now and use its sweeping authority to get as many needed supplies produced as soon as possible for distribution as quickly as possible.”

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul and 15 attorneys general in a letter to President Trump.

Resilient Wisconsin

People helping others and showing resilience during this time of anxiety. Send suggestions by tagging us on social media — @wisconsinwatch — or emailing us: tips@wisconsinwatchmediapartners.wpcomstaging.com.

Community Heroes: Mutual aid group steps it up to help neighbors in need Milwaukee Neighborhood News 

An Epic donation: Local tech giant transforms former headquarters into daycare for COVID-19 frontline workers WKOW

Wisconsin businesses pivot to help health care providers during pandemic Wisconsin Public Radio

Posted on imgur:

Seen in Monona

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