FROM THE SHAWANO-MENOMINEE COUNTIES HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Menominee, Shawano — Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department announced that there have now been 8 confirmed cases in Shawano County and 1 confirmed case in Menominee County. The true number of infected individuals is likely much higher than the actual number of positive (confirmed) cases. We can only report numbers of those who are tested and get a lab-confirmed positive test result. Individuals can infect others with COVID-19 even if they are not showing symptoms. Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department continues to contact individuals who are tested and positive to assure they are remaining in isolation or quarantine.

We know that the Safer at Home order has helped to protect our communities in Wisconsin. As a state, we must continue to address this problem together because our counties are so intertwined. An outbreak in one county quickly leads to cases in other counties. The Safer at Home order was recently updated and continues to keep many restrictions while some have been relaxed.

COVID-19 continues to affect our lives more than we would want it to. Although the order is meant to help protect health and decrease potential deaths, it is having many other effects on our personal lives and businesses. These challenges do not go unnoticed. We understand the struggles that this places on everyone. However, we also recognize that without these orders, there is a possibility of serious illness and death for many members of our community.

The Badger Bounce Back plan was released by the Governor’s Office on April 20, 2020 and shows the plans for how Wisconsin can reopen as soon as it is safe to do so. From a public health standpoint, it is not yet safe to fully reopen. We do not yet have enough local capacities to meet the Badger Bounce Back plan criteria and be able to test, isolate, and quarantine every person that may be sick with COVID-19. Reopening now and too quickly would put a lot of lives at risk. Therefore, at this time, the Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department continues to support any enforcement of violations to the Safer at Home orders.

It is still very important to remain at home as much as possible to help limit the spread of COVID-19. We thank all of you who are doing your part and staying home while it may be challenging. We are a strong community and we will make it through this together. Please continue to stay strong, stay home, and stay healthy.