3 years of COVID: How pandemic reshaped Wisconsin lives – Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

For 3 years, the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically reshaped the lives of Wisconsinites. From the economic effects of stay-at-home orders to the mental health implications of social distancing, the landscape of the state has been irrevocably altered.

The economic downturn caused by the pandemic has been especially pronounced in Wisconsin. The state’s unemployment rate skyrocketed, with an estimated 478,000 Wisconsinites filing for unemployment benefits as of April 2021. Meanwhile, the closure of nonessential businesses has resulted in an estimated $14.5 billion loss of state GDP.

The pandemic has also had an impact on the state’s mental health. Social distancing, combined with the stress of the pandemic, has resulted in a surge of mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. A survey conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that 63% of respondents reported feeling more anxious or depressed than usual.

The pandemic has also had an impact on education in Wisconsin. Schools were forced to close for in-person learning, forcing many students to switch to remote learning. This has resulted in a digital divide, with some students unable to access the technology needed for remote learning.

Finally, the pandemic has impacted the state’s healthcare system. Hospitals were overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients, forcing them to cancel nonessential procedures and treatments. This has resulted in a backlog of patients waiting for care, and health care providers struggling to keep up with demand.

The past 3 years have been difficult for Wisconsinites, but the state has responded with resilience and adaptability. From businesses pivoting to online models to healthcare providers finding creative solutions to the backlog of patients, the pandemic has changed the way Wisconsinites live.