County health department issues guidelines

“Trempealeau County is not ready to return to normal, pre-COVID function,”

 

Citing the recent increase in cases, the Trempealeau County Health Department released a list of guidelines for county residents following the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Safer at Home order on Wednesday.

“Trempealeau County is not ready to return to normal, pre-COVID function,” a release issued by health department director Barb Barczak said. “This will result in an increase in positive cases in our county, overwhelming our public health, emergency responder, and healthcare systems. We are concerned as we have seen an increase from four to seven people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in 10 days while the Safer at Home order was in place.”

The department has issued seven guidelines, but did not issue orders for residents to follow the guidelines.

“We believe our community will come together and do the right thing,” the release says.

The guidelines include:

1. Stay home if you are sick

2. Avoid gathering with more than 10 people who do not live in your household

3. Observe physical distancing of 6 feet between yourself and others

4. Wear a mask or face covering in all public settings

5. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water

6. Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow

7. Avoid touching your face

The guidelines, according to the release, are based on data and are subject to change as the data changes. The health department is urging the community to follow the guidance set forth by public health agencies and experts.

“These guidelines are in place to prevent the spread of the virus and protect the emergency responder and healthcare systems from being overwhelmed. Remember you can have the virus without showing symptoms,” the release says. “We are a small county with limited resources, relying heavily on volunteer and on-call emergency medical responders. These are our families, friends, and neighbors. Please protect them and the people they come home to by following all of these sensible guidelines.”

The health department recommended local businesses follow guidance from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation with local guidance being released by the health department later this week.

The state supreme court overturned the Safer at Home order which Gov. Evers had extended until May 26. Once the order was overturned, all businesses in Trempealeau County and across the state were allowed to re-open.

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