Dane County Executive Extends COVID-19 Emergency Declaration To July 15

Dane County Executive Joe Parisi announced he will extend the county’s COVID-19 emergency declaration through at least July 15. The new order goes into effect after a current declaration expires this weekend.

According to a press release from Parisi’s office, the emergency declaration “ensures the full resources of county government continue to be available to meet community needs through the ongoing pandemic.” It also positions the county to be eligible for federal and state assistance related to the pandemic.

“It’s clear the far-reaching impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic will affect communities for many, months to come,” Parisi said. “For however long COVID-19 threatens the well-being and safety of our citizens, science will guide our decision-making in Dane County. Right now, that science says we need to prepare for potential waves of illness and remain vigilant and ready in our preparedness and response.”

On Thursday, the Dane County Board of Supervisors will vote to ratify the emergency declaration. Parisi’s office said the new declaration will be revisited this summer and could be extended again “depending on the status of COVID-19 in the region.”

A Dane County spokeswoman said the emergency declaration is unrelated to Wisconsin’s “Safer at Home” orders and only pertains to the county’s response to the virus and does not place restrictions on residents or businesses.