Walworth County Public Health is actively monitoring disease status 24/7 and is in frequent contact with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. We routinely control the spread of communicable disease and have all procedures in place necessary to respond to this disease. Walworth County currently individuals being tested for the disease but has zero confirmed cases of the disease at the time of this update.
With the expanded availability of testing it is likely that we will continue to see an increase in the number of cases identified throughout the US. The most important key to stopping the spread of disease remains staying home when you are sick. Continue to wash your hands frequently, cover your coughs and sneezes, and avoid touching your face. Individuals over age 60 and with coexisting conditions currently appear to be the most severely impacted by the disease. Symptoms of illness are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Call your medical provider if you develop symptoms. If you are symptomatic and seek care, please notify your provider, urgent care, or emergency department before arrival so they can prepare in advance and reduce the risk of transmission to patients and staff. Find out more about COVID-19 at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has issued travel guidelines for domestic travel. Find more information about travel guidelines here:
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/dph/memos/communicable-diseases/2020-04.pdf
We urge citizens to use their best judgement and avoid unnecessary travel to areas with high rates of the disease. The CDC has published a map and resource page on the number of cases across the US. Areas that have sustained community transmission represent a higher likelihood for citizens of coming into contact with the disease. It is recommended that people traveling to these areas self-quarantine at home for 14 days and monitor for symptoms. View the map: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has issued guidance for the hosting of mass gatherings and events. Current guidelines look at event size, who will be attending the event, and the event venue. This document also contains guidance for schools. Please find the guidance here: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/dph/memos/communicable-diseases/2020-05.pdf
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has a large variety of resources available directly from CDC. Visit their page to find more information: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/disease/covid-19.htm
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available. Remember this is a rapidly evolving situation and things change quickly.