Officials Issue Coronavirus Emergency Alert For Appleton, Surrounding Area

Appleton WI

04 October, 2020

3:22 PM

Description

From the City of Appleton: October 2, 2020 Very high levels of COVID-19 cases are resulting in increased COVID-19 related hospitalizations and deaths. Public health officers are issuing a Public Health Emergency COVID-19 Alert. Due to escalation in cases, public health is not able to notify positive cases and their close contacts in a timely manner. This severely limits efforts to contain the virus. Hospitals are enacting emergency plans. Public health implores everyone to take actions to stop uncontrolled community spread. Take Action Now - Stop the Spread • Physically distance at least 6 feet from people with whom you do not live. • Wear a cloth face mask, unless unable to wear one for medical reasons. • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. • Indoors, do not gather with people outside of your household. • Outdoors, limit gatherings to 10 people or fewer, physically distance and wear face coverings. • Self-monitor symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days after return from travel. • If symptomatic, call your health care provider, get a test, and stay home while awaiting results. • Cooperate with public health officials if you have tested positive or are a close contact. During this very high rate of transmission of COVID-19, we encourage the following strategies as found in the Wisconsin Department of Health Services COVID-19 Data and Mitigation Strategies to Aid Local Communities. Businesses and community organizations use WEDC Guidelines. Community Gatherings: Do not hold indoor gatherings. Limit outdoor gatherings to 10 people or fewer; physically distance and wear face coverings. Restaurants, Bars: Offer take-out, curbside pick-up or delivery only. Close indoor bars. Salons, Spas, Gyms: Provide minimum operations only. Offices, Workplaces: Keep only essential workforce on-site; symptom monitor; use precautions. Grocery Stores, Pharmacies: Remain open, with no dine in, self-service or customer dispensing. Retail: Use mail delivery and curbside pick-up options. Limit the number of patrons who enter. Hotels, Lodging: Use strict sanitation protocols. Concerts, Festivals, Sporting Events: Do not hold these events at this time. For more information on cases in your area and COVID-19 recommendations, visit your local health department's website. ### References: Wisconsin Department of Health Services, COVID-19 Activity Level by Region or County. 2020 Retrieved on September 30, 2020 from: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/local.htm Wisconsin Department of Health Services, COVID-19 Data and Mitigation Strategies to Aid Local Communities, 2020. Retrieved on September 30, 2020 from: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/news/releases/093020.htm Click here for a pdf copy of this article. This press release was produced by the City of Appleton. The views expressed here are the author's own.