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COVID-19 Resources

Coronavirus Disease 2019
Resources

Governor Tony Evers has declared a Health Emergency in Response to the COVID-19 Coronavirus. On March 16, 2020, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services issued an order prohibiting gatherings of more than 50 people. The order also contains workplace and food service requirements. An update was issued on March 17 limiting gatherings to 10 people. On March 24, Governor Evers signed a "Safer at Home" order ceasing all non-essential business statewide. Emergency Order #28 was issued on April 16. The Badger Bounce Back, Emergency Order #31, was issued on April 20, and Emergency Order #34 was issued on April 27. Emergency Order #36, Interim Order to Turn the Dial, was issued on May 11. On May 13, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that some restrictions of Emergency Order #28 were unenforceable, however many counties have reimposed restrictions.

On September 22, 2020, Governor Tony Evers declared a new public health emergency (Executive Order #90) in Wisconsin and issued a new face coverings order (Emergency Order #1). On October 6, 2020, the Governor issued Emergency Order #3 limiting public gatherings to no more than 25 percent of a room or building's total occupancy.

The State has developed a website that compiles all of the information and resources offered through state government regarding COVID-19 in one location.

Below are resources for colleges and universities:

Online Instruction

Due to the disruptions to higher education caused by the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) the Wisconsin Distance Learning Authorization Board (DLAB) is honoring the U.S. Department of Education’s guidance stating that it is “providing broad approval to institutions to use online technologies to accommodate students on a temporary basis.”  Please see the Department’s guidance in its entirety for more information.

Therefore, institutions not approved for participation in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement will have the ability to accommodate students using online technologies on a temporary basis with no repercussions from the DLAB.  This special accommodation will remain in place until May 31, 2020 and will be reconsidered at that time to determine if an extension to that timeframe is necessary.

SBA Disaster Assistance Loans

The Small Business Administration has announced disaster assistance loans to small businesses impacted by COVID-19. These loans are also available to nonprofits including colleges and universities with annual revenues under $30 million. According to the announcement, "these loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact.....The interest rate for nonprofits is 2.75%." For additional information, please contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center. Call 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

See the online tool to determine whether your institution qualifies as a small business. Use NAICS code 611310 when prompted.

More can be found in a release from the SBA and on the SBA's website.

Updates from Partners

Additional information and guidance is available from key WAICU partners:

COVID-19 College Updates
  • Live updates from WAICU members via Twitter

 

Last updated October 6, 2020 at 2:50 p.m.

PO Box 272, Madison, WI 53701-0272 | Ph: 608.256.7761 | Fx: 608.256.7065

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