Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update as of March 16, 2020
Prairie du Chien, WI- On Monday, March 16th the Wisconsin Department of Health Services reported 47 positive coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Wisconsin. However, according to Crawford County Public Health, there are no positive cases in Crawford County. “We want to keep it that way,” says Cindy Riniker, Crawford County Public Health Officer. “Although they may not be popular decisions, changes already put into place in our county will help to curb the spread to our communities by limiting social interactions as much as possible, including canceling community events and travel plans. Our focus is continuing to protect our vulnerable populations – those who are age 65 and older and those who have a weakened immune system or other medical conditions.”
The United States government has recommended avoiding non-essential travel and avoiding gatherings of 10 or more people. Riniker says, "This is all meant to safeguard us from the potential of any positive cases entering our county and to protect our healthcare resources from becoming overwhelmed."
"To ensure we are getting residents the testing and care they need, and to protect the community as a whole, we are collaborating with Crossing Rivers Health medical center, Kickapoo Valley Medical Clinic in Soldiers Grove, as well as Gundersen, Mayo, and Crossing Rivers Health clinics in Prairie du Chien," Riniker explains.
Crossing Rivers Health Infection Preventionist, Stephanie Koenig, adds, “Anyone who is not experiencing life-threating symptoms but believes they may have been exposed or is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, please call your county public health office, or our Emergency Department prior to entering any medical facility. Visitors to the hospital are being limited at this time.” Visit www.crossingrivers.org/coronavirus to find the most current information regarding Crossing Rivers Health’s efforts to manage the COVID-19 pandemic.
Riniker urges, “If you are a Crawford County resident and have recently returned from one of the identified locations, please contact the Crawford County Public Health Department for further guidance.” The CDC guidance highly encourages individuals to self-quarantine for 14 days, upon traveling back home from countries and the US States that are having widespread, ongoing transmission of COVID-19. These areas include China, Japan, Iran, South Korea, and all countries in Europe (including Italy & Egypt), as well as the US States of California, New York, and Washington. Those returning from any US or International cruises are also included.
Rinker also reminds everyone to remain calm and to stay informed by visiting the CDC website often at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
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