By Gary Girard
LCOHC Director &
Public Health Officer
I met with our Covid-19 Response team this morning and I wanted to update everyone on Covid-19. We have had more than 30 positive Covid-19 tests in the last week. We are seeing a spike in cases which are at least due in part to a lack of community members following the CDC guidelines of wearing a mask, social distancing, avoiding gathering of 10 or more, hand sanitizing, and disinfecting.
Two weeks ago we advised no social gatherings of 10 or more including the trunk or treat. We believe the spike we are seeing this week is a result of those kinds of social gatherings. In the coming week of Thanksgiving we are advising no large social gatherings. Families should adhere to CDC guideline of no more than 10 people and try to stay home for their own family dinner. If this is not taken seriously, we can expect another spike in early December and again in January after Christmas.
In regard to business:
· All Covid-19 positive cases must be isolation quarantined for a minimum of 10 days and cannot return to work unless they are absent of fever for 24 hours prior to returning to work. They cannot go out anywhere. If they need anything, it should be supplied by family members who are following CDC guidelines of wearing a facemask, social distancing, washing hands frequently, and disinfecting.
· Non-essential workers should stay home. If they can work from home, that is great.
· Finally, essential workers whom have had direct contact with someone whom has tested positive may be quarantined at work if possible. They will be tested for covid-19 and observed for symptoms.
Note: If any worker develops symptoms, they must not come to work. They are to call the Covid-19 hotline at 715-934-4518 and will be scheduled for a Covid-19 test at LCOHC.