Gary Girard, ED. D., M.S., B.A.
Health Center Director/Public Health Officer
The LCO Health Center will be doing Curbside Covid-19 testing on:
August 18th from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. and from 1:00 – 3 p.m. We will also be testing for Covid-19 on August 20th from 9:00 – Noon. LCO Health Center will do up to 250 tests on Tuesday and 150 on Thursday at the tribal Pavilion. We have tested over 600 Covid-19 tests with 4 positive results at the LCO Health Center to date, with 3 active cases. LCOHC notified Sawyer County Health and all precautions were taken to reduce the spread of the virus.
We continue to work closely with Tribal Leadership, Sawyer County Health, Incident Command, Emergency Management, and IHS support services, as we address Covid-19 response. Tribal Governing Board has recently appointed the LCO Health Center Director as Public Health Officer. They have also passed a tribal resolution regarding Shelter At Home. All tribal residents are asked to please follow this directive in order to reduce the spread of Covid-19 to protect everyone, especially our elders whom are more susceptible to the virus. COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.
Center for Disease Control has determined the following symptoms may be associated with Covid-19. COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Infected people have had a wide range of symptoms reported – from mild symptoms to severe illness.
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Look for emergency warning signs for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:
Trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion
Inability to wake or stay awake
Bluish lips or face
Call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
If you have these symptoms please call Hayward Hospital “The hotline, (715-934-4518). If you are an LCO patient with symptoms, you will be scheduled at the LCO Health Center for testing”
Should you test positive for Covid-19 you will be self-quarantined for up to 14 days. You will also have to be symptom free for 24 hours before Sawyer County Health will lift the quarantine.
Anyone having close contact, described as within 6 feet of anyone testing positive for Covid-19 for over 15 minutes, especially if physical contact has occurred, such as hugging or shaking hands, etc., with the person whom tested positive will be contact traced by Sawyer County Health. You will be instructed to self-quarantine. You will be under self-quarantine until released by Sawyer County Health, usually 5 days but up to 14 days, with no associated symptoms. During this time, avoid contact with others, follow CDC guidelines, wear face mask, use regular soap and water hand washing or qualified sanitizer for Covid-19. Avoid sharing food with others. Try to isolate yourself from others in a separate room and bathroom if possible. Pay attention to symptoms listed above. The LCO Health Center will, Covid-19 test individuals with symptoms, and will Covid-19 test contacts as prescribed by Sawyer County or your provider.
We will soon be onboarding a ‘Clinic Patient Advocate’ whom will be available to answer questions and direct patients to appropriate services for care. We appreciate your patience in this matter. In the meantime, please call patient registration for assistance.
Be Safe, Stay 6 Feet Apart, Wear Face Mask, Avoid large gatherings, Shelter At Home, follow the CDC guidelines for disinfecting and personal care.