On Wednesday, May 13, the Wisconsin Supreme Court overturned the state’s Safer at Home order. With this ruling, there is no state order to stay at home or for businesses to remain closed.
The order is gone, the virus is not. In recent days, central Wisconsin infection numbers have begun to rise. While testing availability has increased, it cannot be assumed this is the only reason for the increase. Lincoln County residents are not immune to getting this virus and the numbers will continue to increase in the days and weeks to
come.
Lincoln County Health Department urges residents to be smart and continue to practice the guidance that has been shared over the last eight weeks. Maintain physical distance, avoid gathering in groups, use good personal hygiene, handwashing, etc. Do not go to work, the store, or anywhere else when you feel ill. Consider wearing a cloth face covering when out in public. People who are vulnerable and at higher risk of severe complications of COVID-19 should stay home whenever possible. This includes people over the age of 65, people who live in nursing homes or
long-term care facilities, and individuals with underlying health conditions or who are immunocompromised.
Lincoln County Health Department will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and address any outbreaks or spikes that occur. The mission of the Lincoln County Health Department is to provide services to residents that promote optimal health and safety through prevention, protection, and intervention. “It is our job to protect our community, provide services and take appropriate action as necessary,” said Shelley Hersil, Lincoln County Health Department Director and Health Officer. “The Safer at Home order has been instrumental in flattening the curve. It
has also provided us with time to prepare.”
If you feel you have symptoms of COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider for testing options, or visit https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/testing for a list of community testing sites. Local businesses will now play a big role in protecting customers and staff. Local, state, and national resources are available to help businesses adapt best practices. Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation https://wedc.org/reopen-guidelines/
Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html
This is a rapidly evolving situation. If you have questions or immediate needs related to COVID-19, call 211 or text COVID-19 to 211-211. For the latest information about COVID-19 in Lincoln County visit: https://co.lincoln.wi.us/covid19 or follow us on Facebook. You can also visit the CDC’s website or the DHS website.