Last week, a University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee employee who was tested for coronavirus/COVID-19 tested negative. Today, an update from UWM Chancellor Mark A. Mone has confirmed that a different employee has tested positive.
Here are the pertinent details:
• The City of Milwaukee Health Department has confirmed one case of COVID-19 in a UWM employee. Like all large institutions in Milwaukee, we expect to have more cases confirmed in the coming days. We want to respect the privacy of these employees and will not be identifying them.
• The UWM campus is not closed. However, by tomorrow (March 18) at noon, the university will be closing and limiting access to many areas to reduce exposure to COVID-19. Those areas include the Klotsche Center.
• To help control the spread of the virus, UWM will be moving most operations to virtual or remote methods no later than noon tomorrow (March 18), with employees who are able working remotely.
• Some employees who cannot work remotely may be eligible for special COVID-19 leave announced today by UW System. This provides up to 80 hours of paid leave for employees who can’t perform their assigned duties during the COVID-19 pandemic emergency due to the following:
inability to work remotely
self-quarantine
self-isolation
illness
care of an immediate family member
child/elder care due to school and day care closures• Spring break runs March 15 to 29.
• In-person classes will be offered through alternate delivery, including online, from Monday, March 30 to Friday, April 10.
• Residence halls remain open.
Earlier on Tuesday, officials said there were 40 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Milwaukee County, and 13 in the city. A statewide ban on gatherings of 10 or more people was also enacted today.