Submitted by the Monroe County Health Department
Monroe County is experiencing increasing levels of Covid-19 and significant spread in our community. We have seen a rapid increase in the number of daily new cases in past weeks, and the number of cases continues to accelerate upwards.
Due to the escalation in cases, case investigation and contact tracing efforts to effectively identify and control the spread of the virus have become increasingly strained. The Monroe County Health Department has reached a point where we are not able to consistently notify positive cases and their close contacts in a timely manner. Therefore, if you test positive for Covid-19, you may not receive a call from Monroe County Health Department.
Effective Nov. 12, the Monroe County Health Department will be prioritizing contacting positive cases who are either 55 or older or 18 and younger.
All other individuals will be contacted as capacity allows.
If you test positive, we need you to do the following:
• Stay home and isolate for a minimum of 10 days after symptom onset. If you did not have symptoms and were tested, remain isolated for 10 days from the date of testing. For detailed instructions go to http://healthymonroecowi.org/positive.
• You can return to work or school on day 11 if meeting the criteria (free of fever and improvement in other symptoms for 24 hours).
• Notify your employer.
• Notify your child’s school, if you have school-age children
• Notify your close contacts and ask them to quarantine for 14 days from the last day of contact with you. For guidance on quarantine, visit http://healthymonroecowi.org/quarantine.
To keep our business, schools, and economy open and keep our health care infrastructure intact, we are urging everyone take immediate action now to slow the spread.
• Wear a cloth face covering, unless unable to wear one for medical reasons.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Stay home as much as possible, especially if you are sick. If you have symptoms, not matter how mild, get tested, and stay home while awaiting results.
• Cooperate with public health officials if you have tested positive or are a close contact.
• Businesses and community organizations should use WEDC Guidelines. When possible, encourage remote work opportunities to support physical distancing.
• To the extent possible, limit person-to-person contact and encourage curbside pickup/delivery options.
• Require masking/face coverings of staff and customers. Comply with social distancing of 6 feet between all individuals on the premises, including but not limited to employees, customers, and members of the public.
• Community and large gatherings: Large gatherings are not recommended at this time, such as weddings, golf outings, reunions, and celebrations that bring a large number of people together. Avoid unnecessary activities and travel within the community that puts you in contact with others.
For more information, please visit our Covid-19 webpage at http://healthymonroecowi.org/covid-19.
