This week, the “Stop the COVID Spread!” coalition released its fourth public education announcement on broadcast TV and digital platforms statewide with a stern and serious new message urging Wisconsin residents to do their part to help reverse the public health crisis that is threatening to cause great harm to the state. The new ad comes as Wisconsin again hit new daily COVID-19 records, surpassing 7,000 new cases in a single day, and after a White House task force report again warned that Wisconsin’s ongoing health emergency will continue to lead to increasing hospitalizations and deaths unless more serious action is taken.
“COVID has a vice grip on Wisconsin that’s getting tighter every day and the consequences for our citizens, our businesses and our health care systems are becoming worse,” said WHA President and CEO Eric Borgerding. “Last week, the White House Coronavirus Task force warned that Wisconsin will face more COVID deaths without a more robust state response to this virus. We need everyone to understand, accept, and act on these urgent warnings. We need a unified message and response.”
The “Stop the COVID Spread!” coalition was co-founded on October 9 by the Wisconsin Hospital Association, Wisconsin Counties Association, Wisconsin Grocers Association, Wisconsin Restaurant Association, and Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce and has grown dramatically to include more than 100 of Wisconsin’s leading health care, business, and advocacy organizations.
The more urgent message in the new ad builds on previous public education announcements featuring a frontline nurse from Appleton, Wis., members of the Green Bay Packers, and University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson. It is the latest ad launched by the “Stop the COVID Spread!” coalition encouraging the use of crucial safety measures to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
“We have to move beyond arguing whether or not there is a pandemic with a virus that is killing people. We need to focus on solutions and stop ignoring reality,” said Brandon Scholz, President and CEO of the Wisconsin Grocers Association.
“Wisconsin is an incredible place to be and without everyone doing their part, we will have a hard time getting out of this pandemic and moving forward,” said WCA Executive Director Mark D. O’Connell. “It is time to face our current situation and do what we all need to do to open back up our state.”
All the coalition’s public education announcements, along with a full list of member organizations, can be seen here: www.wha.org/stoptheCOVIDspread.