MADISON, WI (WTAQ) — Governor Tony Evers has asked the federal government to prioritize COVID-19 vaccine distribution to Wisconsin ahead of other states in the country.
Evers argues that because he’s been legally barred from issuing more “Safer at Home” orders and other mitigation strategies, Wisconsin should get it first.
“Wisconsin is uniquely facing challenges that other states are not,” Evers told the media on Thursday. “While other Governors are working to turn the dial as their states surge, our mitigation efforts have been struck down.”
The Governor is referring to his “Safer at Home” order, which closed many indoor businesses in the state when it was put into force through emergency action back in March. It was struck down by the Wisconsin Supreme Court after the Governor attempted to extend it in May.
It’s been 230 days since the state assembly has passed a bill, another reason Evers cited for getting the vaccine first.
State officials are expecting to get a shipment of the first vaccines sent out to the states, which is expected to happen later this month, but admit that it won’t be nearly enough to vaccinate all of the state’s front line healthcare workers, the first group expected to get the vaccine.
Both Pfizer and Moderna both have vaccines waiting for FDA emergency use approval. If they obtain it, vaccines could be shipped out as early as the very next day.
