Monroe County Health Department received notification today of a third confirmed case of Covid-19 by positive lab test.
The three cases in Monroe County are unrelated.
The individual is a female in her 50s with mild to moderate symptoms who is isolating at home. The health department is following up with all identified contacts to provide appropriate guidance.
Due to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the health department cannot identify where individuals who test positive for COVID-19 live.
“We ask that residents respect the privacy of individuals who have been tested for or test positive for Covid-19,” a press release from the health department states.
Moving forward, the health department will no longer make individual case count announcements; rather, it will announce details of new cases at healthymonroecowi.org/covid-19 and its Facebook page (MonroeCountyHealthDept).
“We are experiencing community spread in Monroe County and throughout Wisconsin. We need everyone to act as though you already have Covid-19 or the people in the community do” said Sharon Nelson, Monroe County Health Department director/health officer.
Community spread is when someone tests positive for Covid-19 without having been exposed to a known case or without going to a place where community spread has been reported.
“Since not everyone is able to be tested, there are likely more cases in the county than we are aware of,” Nelson added.
Monroe County Health Department asks that you:
• Stay at home.
• Limit your physical interactions to the same people during this time. Fewer than five people total will help stop the virus from spreading.
• Keep at least 6 feet apart from others and avoid direct physical contact.
• Limit the amount of time you spend making essential trips to the grocery store or to pick up medication.
• Make essential trips no more than once a week.
• And stay in touch over the phone with your family and friends as much as possible. We all need support through this time.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
If you have questions or immediate needs related to Covid-19, you can text COVID19 to 211-211, visit 211wisconsin.org or call 211. You can also visit www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19 or Healthymonroecowi.org/covid-19 or cdc.gov/covid-19 .
The press release concludes, “We understand that this is a scary time and that the pandemic and disruptions to daily life are creating a lot of fear and anxiety for people. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or feel overwhelmed, you can call 800-985-5990 to speak to a trained crisis counselor or text TalkWithUS to 66747.”
