Third person who tested positive for COVID-19 did not have exposure to a known case and didn’t travel to a location with known community spread
Today, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced that community spread of COVID-19 has been detected in Wisconsin. Furthermore, the Walworth County Division of Public Health also today has identified community spread of the disease in Walworth County following the identification of a third confirmed case. Community spread refers to the presence of people who have tested positive and have no exposures to a known case nor did they travel to a location with known community spread.
The investigation by Walworth County officials revealed that two of the county’s three cases had no known contact with confirmed cases and had not recently traveled to areas with community spread. Updated numbers of positive cases per county and locations where community spread is observed are updated on the DHS Outbreaks website daily at 2 p.m.
Social distancing is a strongly-recommended strategy to limit the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel (or new) coronavirus. Social distancing requires a commitment to reduce contact between people to slow the spread of the virus. This strategy is an effective tool to reduce risk of exposure.
“Even if you are symptom free and not part of an at-risk group, we urge you to change your lifestyle immediately. Think about how you can decrease close contacts and crowded environments”, said Erica Bergstrom, Public Health Officer.
“The number of confirmed cases in Wisconsin constantly reminds us of the importance of social distancing and good hygiene to prevent disease spread. We need the entire community to use these strategies to slow the virus and protect our most vulnerable neighbors and family members,” she added.
DHS recommends staying home as much as possible, avoiding public places and remaining six feet away from others during activities like grocery shopping. Learn about precautions for high risk and elderly individuals
Walworth County Division of Public Health continues to monitor the spread of the disease and implement practices to reduce transmission.
“We are working with our local, state, and federal partners to deal quickly and effectively in the event people have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been around people who have been infected with the new coronavirus,” Bergstrom said.
The health department wants everyone know that while the risk of getting the illness remains low, people should follow simple steps to avoid getting sick, including:
– Frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water.
– Cover coughs and sneezes.
– Avoid touching your face.
– Stay home when sick.
– Practice social distancing.
The county’s Public Health Department remind residents this is a rapidly evolving situation. For the latest information, visit the CDC’s website, the DHS website, or the Walworth County website here and then click on the COVID-19 Information bar at the top of the page.
