COVID-19 Pandemic Update for the Afternoon of March 27th: More Cases in Clark County
Friday, March 27th, 2020 -- 2:10 PM
COVID-19 UpdateMarch 27th, Afternoon
We have a COVID-19 update for you this afternoon.
The Clark County Health Department (CCHD) is confirming that there are now three positive cases of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Clark County.
The two newly positive cases had been in close contact with the individual who tested positive earlier this week. All three individuals are currently in isolation, two at home and one in the hospital. The CCHD has conducted investigations with these residents and is following-up with others with whom these individuals have had close contact.
“The Clark County Health Department closely monitors all pending and positive cases in the county. Individuals awaiting their test results are ordered to stay at home. When the lab confirms a positive COVID-19 case, the Health Department is immediately notified. It is then the Health Department’s duty to follow-up with the positive case to conduct a contact tracing investigation. During this investigation, the individual is asked to report on who they had close contact with (including others who were ill) and if they have recently traveled.” said Brittany Mews, Clark County Health Department Director/Health Officer.
Please respect the privacy of persons being tested for COVID-19. In the United States, HIPAA refers to a law designed to provide privacy standards to protect patients’ medical records and other health information provided to health plans, healthcare providers, and health departments. Details about COVID-19 cases are confidential. Currently, there are 3 positive, 28 negative, and 22 pending COVID-19 cases in Clark County. The number of people infected with COVID-19 continues to grow across Wisconsin and nationwide. The United States now has more Coronavirus cases than any other country in the world.
Physical or social distancing "the practice of keeping at least 6 feet apart from others and avoiding direct physical contact” is proving to be the only effective means of slowing the rate of infection. Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. Staying home when it is not essential to leave, is absolutely necessary during this time. During Governor Evers’ Safer at Home Order, it is important to remember that both employees and employers have rights. The U.S. Department of Labor provides information on common issues employers and employees are facing due to COVID-19. More information can be found at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic.
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act will help businesses with less than 500 employees by providing funds so employees can take paid leave�"either to care for their own health or the health of a family member. The Act will ensure that workers are not forced to choose between their paychecks and the public health measures needed to combat the virus�"while at the same time, reimbursing businesses. The CCHD continues to work with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, local healthcare providers, Clark County Emergency Management, and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.
Just a couple other reminders, the City of Neillsville’s Common Council did approve a resolution declaring a state of emergency in the city. The Clark County Board of Supervisors also approved a resolution ratifying a Public Health Emergency that was issued last week. The Clark County COVID-19 Crisis Team is working very hard to keep the public informed and keeping the employees and citizens of Clark County Safe.
Also, Marshfield Clinic Health System is implementing temporary changes in hours of operations throughout Wisconsin in order to “flatten the curve.”
These changes will allow the system to reallocate providers, staff, and supplies in anticipation of a surge of patients who may have COVID-19 and most importantly, keep their patients and staff safe. All of their hospitals remain open 24/7. Patients are encouraged to call ahead and verify if their appointments are still scheduled and if the appointment has been moved to a different location. These hours may change as the situation evolves and will be updated at marshfieldclinic.org. Marshfield Clinic Health System patients can contact Nurse Line at 1-844-342-6276 with questions. Non-Health System patients can use Care My Way, available seven days a week from 7 a.m. �" 9 p.m. Visit marshfieldclinic.org/care-my-way for more information. You may also call the COVID-19 Helpline, open 24/7, at 877-998-0880, to ask questions and get factual information about the virus. If you’re concerned that you have COVID-19 symptoms, visit marshfieldclinic.org to use their online screening tool for COVID-19 symptoms. Click on the pop-up chat box in the lower right corner of your computer or mobile device and type your message.
Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield states the hospital services remain open 24/7, with potential modifications to select services. Majority of medical offices will remain open Monday thru Friday. Cancer Care Services remain Monday-Friday. Marshfield Medical Center-Neillsville’s hospital services remain open 24/7, with potential modifications to select services. For their clinics, Colby will remain open as a walk-in clinic Monday thru Friday 6:45 a.m. �" 5 p.m.; the Greenwood Center is temporarily closed and patients will be redirected to MMC-Neillsville or the Colby Center; the Loyal Center is temporarily closed with patients redirected to Marshfield Medical Center-Neillsville. Physical Therapy closed. Occupational health continues to provide pre-employment services 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Taking a look at state numbers, as of 2pm this afternoon the state has seen 13,140 negative cases, 842 positive cases and 13 deaths. During a press conference this afternoon, Health and Human Services Secretary Designee Andrea Palm stated that Wisconsin’s increasing numbers may make it seem like social distancing isn’t working, but that’s not true. There is a lag time between testing and getting results. So the numbers that are increasing are because many of those tests took place before social distancing and Safer at Home were ordered. The Governor still asks that you avoid unnecessary travel and practice social distancing and follow the “Safer at Home” order.
With this order, you can still go outside and go for a walk, work in the yard, go for a bike ride, walk the dog, etc, but just practice social distancing when you do so. You can also go and pick up groceries, get gas, go to the doctor, go to the pharmacy or pick up food from a local restaurant. Again, just be safe, practice social distancing and practice good hygiene.
On another note, public media organizations remain committed to ensuring that all kids statewide have access to educational instruction amid school closures. PBS Wisconsin and Milwaukee PBS, in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), announce an ambitious new tv broadcast schedule to support At-Home Learning, accompanied by curriculum-aligned digital resources. You can find that schedule on our Facebook Page.
Finally, just a reminder, people need to take this seriously. This falls on all of us. If people don’t take this seriously, things are going to get much worse. The sooner you follow the guidance of the CDC and the state, the sooner we can get Wisconsin back open for business and get things back to normal. But you must take this seriously. We must put aside petty partisan politics and work together. This is a trying time, but we will get through it with the right mindset and if we work together and help each other along during these difficult times. If there’s anything we can do at Central Wisconsin Broadcasting to help, please reach out. We have many resources available to you on our website and Facebook page and were happy to answer your questions. If we can’t, we can put you in touch with someone that can. But above all, stay calm, buy your groceries one week at a time like always and take care of yourself.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.