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Experts urge caution as Dane County lifts restrictions

By Courtney Degen | April 9, 2021

A new Dane County health order went into effect Wednesday that removes an outdoor mask mandate and lifts all capacity restrictions for outdoor gatherings.

Public Health Madison & Dane County announced Emergency Order #15 on April 2, citing a continued decrease in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. While the order removes the requirement for face coverings outdoors, PHMDC still strongly recommends wearing masks outdoors when it is not possible to maintain a six feet distance from others. 

Similarly, though there are no longer specific capacity restrictions for outdoor gatherings, Emergency Order #15 indicates that “Numbers must be limited to ensure individuals who are not members of the same household or living unit maintain six (6) feet physical distancing at all times.”

New political coalition focuses on equity and inclusion

After a frustrating Summer 2020, Larissa Joanna noticed that while many Madison residents realized the need for change and wanted to contribute, they had no idea of where to start. As protests turned violent and attendance decreased, Joanna decided that change was needed. That's when Reshaping Madison Together (RMT), the newest coalition in the Madison political scene, formed. What started as a survey and a group of 40 people has emerged as a progressive group of activists and volunteers who Joanna says are “fighting the good fight.”  

The Bus Stops Here: Voter ID requirement hurts transit-dependent voters

Next week, perhaps for the last time, the City of Madison will elect 20 City Council members for a 2- year period. Among their duties, Council members pass annual budgets that set taxes and determine how those taxes get spent. Those budgetary decisions in turn impact everything, from housing and police, to parks and yes, transportation.

Various politically-minded groups gear up for this event, help with political campaigns and/or endorse particular candidates. Their activity is based on the probably incorrect premise that potential or actual transit riders are as able to vote as others. It should be correct, and the Dane County Voter ID Coalition has assigned itself the task of identifying voters who may not have an acceptable voter photo ID, then arranging for them to receive assistance in obtaining one.

Dozens march for trans rights

On Friday, March 12, more than 50 people marched through the streets of Madison, ending at the State Capitol building, to protest new legislation that would curb the rights of transgender people. The protest was attended by people of all ages, sporting LGBTQ+ flags and signs denouncing the bill, and supporting the rights of Trans-gender individuals. 

The organizers of the Trans Liberation March described that it was to “be a celebration of gender diversity and a way to tell the legislature that we will not let this pass.” In the description of the event on Facebook, they explained that while it is likely that Governor Evers will veto the new bill, “the fact that our existence is up for debate demands a movement for trans liberation.” 

More Headlines

Dane County officials ‘cautiously hopeful’ as restrictions loosen considerably
Disability rights advocates protest ableism after hidden camera found at East High
MMSD return to in-person learning draws mixed reactions

Read More

  • City Life
    Madison Commons Media Digest, April 11, 2021
    By Lew Friedland | April 11, 2021

    Our Coverage Experts urge caution as Dane County lifts restrictions, Courtney Degen, Madison Commons, April 9. COVID-19 Wisconsin reports most daily COVID-19 cases in nearly 2 months; deaths, hospitalizations also up, David Wahlberg, Wisconsin State Journal, April 9.

  • City Life
    Madison Commons Media Digest, April 4, 2021
    By Lew Friedland | April 4, 2021

    Top Stories Happy Easter! Don't forget to vote on Tuesday.

  • City Life
    Madison Commons Media Digest, March 28, 2021
    By Lew Friedland | March 28, 2021

    Top Stories Madison's public libraries could reopen next month, Logan Wroge, Wisconsin State Journal, March 28. COVID-19 First case of Brazilian COVID-19 variant found in Wisconsin, Riley Vetterkind, WSJ, March 27.

  • City Life
    Madison Commons Media Digest, March 21, 2021
    By Lew Friedland | March 21, 2021

    COVID-19 Dane County health officials: Fully vaccinated can get close, ditch the masks, Chris Rickert, Wisconsin State Journal, March 19. Wisconsin 'woefully behind' on COVID-19 verification, data cleanup, Scott Bauer, Associated Press, March 18.

Recent Posts: WisconsinWatch.org

‘Season of rebirth’: A Madison ER nurse ponders life after the pandemic

Mariah Clark reflects on the traumas she witnessed while treating COVID-19 patients and losing her own loved ones to the deadly disease.

Michigan’s COVID-19 surge seen as warning for Wisconsin — 4/12/21

Even with vaccinations well underway, Michigan is suffering a surge of COVID-19 infections that has overwhelmed hospitals with more patients than seen during the fall peak of the pandemic. Conditions in Wisconsin are hardly as dire, but Michigan’s experience offers a warning of the dangers still possible at this stage of the pandemic.

Wisconsin Weekly: ‘We’re not given the option to get vaccinated’: Advocates work to narrow racial and ethnic disparities in Wisconsin

Circumventing vaccine hurdles; connecting with remote students; scrutiny for GOP stimulus plan; food aid failure

Wisconsin Supreme Court weighs state power to protect water from farm pollutants

The outcome of a nearly decade-long dispute in Kewaunee County could shape regulatory power across state government.

FEMA to reimburse funeral costs for those grieving COVID-19 deaths — 4/9/21

Those who are grieving loved ones lost to COVID-19 may qualify for federal assistance in paying for funeral expenses.

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About Madison Commons

Madison Commons is a community journalism project powered by University of Wisconsin–Madison’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Our reporters regularly cover neighborhood news and local issues relating to environment, local food issues, education, development, nonprofits, and social justice. We also do special reports, including one on the closing of Oscar Mayer and the achievement gap.

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