Wisconsin’s top health official resigned Thursday, citing a alarming rise in coronavirus cases in the state of Badger.
The Wisconsin Health Services Department (DHS) confirmed to The Hill on Friday that Public Health Administrator Stephanie Smiley’s interim department has resigned and will officially leave on November 11.
Wisconsin DHS Deputy Secretary Julie Williams van Dijk will serve as interim state health officer and Public Health Administrator Deputy Division Chuck Varzecha will serve as interim division administrator.
The Wisconsin DHSA said it continues to respond to the global COVID-19 epidemic, “committed to ensuring smooth transition.”
Smiley said in a letter to local health departments announcing his resignation that he had accepted a position outside the government and was proud of the work done by state officials to combat the coronavirus.
“I am intimidated by the undoubted courage and character of all of you. As public health officials, you often need to give bad news that has fueled fear, frustration, anxiety and criticism. And despite all this, you and your staff have jumped at the chance and will continue to do what you can to fight this, ”she wrote, according to a copy of the letter, which was obtained by Hill.
“This will be my last update to you as I have accepted out-of-state service to focus more energy on my health and my family – aspects of my life that I have long ignored. My last day with the department will be November 11, 2020, ”he added.
Health officials in Wisconsin praised Smiley’s service to the state government during the aftermath of the coronavirus outbreak. Van Dijk said Wisconsinites are “indebted to him.”
“[H]His time as interim administrator of the Department of Public Health is dedicated to ensuring that our local and tribal health departments are needed to meet the needs of their individual communities, especially those who are well-informed and equipped to respond to most people. Health crisis in Wisconsin history. We are all grateful for her advocacy, compassion and respect for public health. ‘
Wisconsin D.H.S. The change in the leadership of has hit the state with the worst coronavirus outbreak in the country. There have been about 250,000 cases of coronavirus in the state, with a new state record of single day cases being Friday, with more than 111 new cases being Friday alone. About 2,200 people in Wisconsin have died from the virus, according to the COWID tracking project.
Your # COVID19_WI Update w / Record 6,141 cases reported, we topped in 6K for the first time. And for the first time the 7-day average peaks at 5K, an increase of 515% in just 2 months. On weekends, check out tips for staying safe in your community and # Stops spread: https://t.co/kcBqlXhW35 pic.twitter.com/itXwGUMr8i
– WIDeptHealthServices (HDHSWI) November 6, 2020
The U.S. has entered a frightening new third wave of infection, with the most severe spread in the Midwest. Cases are expected to rise further in the winter months as cold weather forces people to gather indoors, where the virus spreads more easily.
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