Wood County Health Dept Issue Statement on Safer at Home and Faith Based Gatherings

Wisconsin Rapids, WI – On March 24th Governor Evers issued a Safer at Home order. The order bans all gatherings with 10 or more people. It is not limited to indoor gatherings and includes any defined space, parking lots and festival grounds. This encompasses faith based gatherings, drive-in services, weddings, and funerals. It is important to limit gatherings only to people living within the same household to avoid transmitting the virus through social networks.

At this time, we continue to ask that community and faith based organizations do not encourage families or individuals to leave their homes. The safest place for everyone is at their own home. It is imperative people are exposed to the least amount of person-to-person contact as possible, for the safety of all.

“This is a challenging time for all and we have to make big sacrifices for a little while to ensure the health of our most vulnerable populations is protected,” stated Susan Kunferman, Wood County Health Department Director and Health Officer. “For many in our communities, religious gatherings provide hope and are a source of strength. We look forward to the day we can again allow gatherings to take place.”

Community and faith based organizations have an important role in slowing the spread of COVID-19, especially among high-risk populations. Community and faith based organizations often serve those who are most vulnerable, such as older people and those with serious underlying health conditions, like heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes, who are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 illness.

Thankfully, with technology, there are options for staying connected to religious networks during this challenging time. Many churches, synagogues, mosques, temples and other places of worship are offering worship through television, radio, and livestream on the internet. “Individually, and as families, taking time to be mindful, meditate, and pray is a great way to safely practice spiritual beliefs during the pandemic,” says Susan Kunferman, Wood County Health Officer.

If you have questions or immediate needs related to COVID-19, call 2-1-1 or text COVID-19 to 211-211. For up-to-date information, please visit the Wood County Health Department website and Facebook page.