Public urged to practice good health during outbreak

The Chippewa County Department of Public Health, is working closely with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to closely monitor the outbreak caused by a novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The health, safety and wellbeing of the community is their top priority.

To date, there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Chippewa County. The health department is continuously working on this rapidly evolving situation and beginning to meet with local partners regularly, to implement plans that best protect the health of our community.

Based on guidance from the CDC and DHS, the public is asked for help in reducing the spread of disease by following these recommendations:

• Utilize non-contact methods of greeting, rather than handshaking.

• Wash your hands often, with soap and warm water, for at least 20 seconds.

• Cover the mouth and nose with a tissue, or an elbow, when sneezing or coughing.

• Create habits and reminders to avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.

• Disinfect surfaces like doorknobs, tables, desks and handrails regularly.

• Stay home if sick, only return to work/school after fever free for at least 24 hours, without the use of medicine.

If someone in the family has COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath), contact a medical provider or the health department, before visiting the hospital.

• Use videoconferencing for meetings when possible; when not possible, hold meetings in open, well-ventilated spaces.

• Assess the risks for non-essential travel.

• Cancel or postpone non-essential gatherings involving 10 or more people. The health department is supportive of canceling smaller events for the health and safety of the community.

• Individuals who are at higher risk, should consider avoiding crowds as much as possible.

For additional information, visit dhs.wisconsin.gov.