Wood County Health Department Advises to Maintain Social Distancing

Wisconsin Supreme Court Overrules Safer at Home Order

Wisconsin Rapids, WI – On Wednesday, May 13th, the Wisconsin Supreme Court overturned the state’s Safer at Home order. With this ruling, businesses now have the right to be open.

Public health will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and has the obligation to address any outbreaks or spikes that occur. Should this happen, orders may be issued accordingly. The mission of the Wood County Health Department is to maximize the quality of life across the lifespan. This is accomplished through a number of ways including promoting health and preventing disease.

“It is our job to protect our community, provide services and take appropriate action as necessary,” said Sue Kunferman, Wood County Health Department Director and Health Officer. “The Safer at Home order provided us with time to prepare and has been successful in flattening the curve.

The order is gone, the virus is not. In recent days, central Wisconsin numbers have begun to rise. While testing availability has increased, it cannot be assumed this is the only reason for the increase. Wood County residents are not immune to getting this virus and the numbers will continue to increase in the days and weeks to come.

Today, Wood County has confirmed a total of six positive cases since the beginning of the pandemic, four of which were identified within the last week.

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.

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.

Wood County Business Toolkit: https://www.co.wood.wi.us/Departments/Health/CovidBusiness.aspx

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

If you have questions or immediate needs related to COVID-19, call United Way’s 2-1-1 or text COVID-19 to 211211. For up-to-date information, please visit the Wood County Health Department website and Facebook page.