FROM THE SHAWANO-MENOMINEE COUNTIES HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Menominee, Shawano — Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department understands there are questions following the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s decision invalidating the Safer at Home Order.

We know that COVID-19 is easily transmittable and is present in Shawano and Menominee Counties. This virus knows no boundaries and therefore, the most effective way to prevent, control, and suppress this virus is to take a statewide approach. While we await further statewide guidance, Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department urges residents to continue to practice physical distancing and personal hygiene as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Here is a review of precautions that you should take to protect yourselves, your families, and the community.

– Cover your coughs and sneezes.
– Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
– Avoid touching your face.
– Keep 6 feet of distance from others.
– Monitor yourself for symptoms of COVID-19. If you develop symptoms, stay home and call your health care provider to see how you can get tested.
– Stay home if you are sick.
– Follow quarantine and isolation guidelines if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or if you are a close contact or household contact of someone with COVID-19.
– Wear a mask when you have to go out to public places.
– Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
– Do not hold large gatherings.
– Do not visit long term care facilities.
– Avoid unnecessary travel and if you must travel, complete 14 day quarantine after your return.
– Stay home if you are at high risk for complications from the virus and/or if you are concerned about catching the virus.

Similarly, we strongly encourage local businesses to protect customers and staff by adopting appropriate safety guidelines. Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department has put out a business toolkit with some suggestions. You may also refer to Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation guidelines.

Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department continues to monitor the situation closely and will notify the public of any updates. The health department continues to isolate and conduct investigations with any individuals who test positive for COVID-19 and implement quarantine for any close contacts. We thank you tremendously for your cooperation with isolation and quarantine as well as your continued support of following the guidelines to help protect the community.

For your convenience, here are the written out links to the resources listed above.
– Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – How to Protect Yourself
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-gettingsick/prevention.html
– Symptoms
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/symptoms.htm
– Quarantine and Isolation Guidelines
https://www.co.shawano.wi.us/i/f/files/Press%20Release%205-8-20.pdf
– Business Toolkit –
https://www.co.shawano.wi.us/i/f/files/SMCHD%20Business%20Toolkit%20May%205%202020.pdf
– Wisconsin Economic Development

Reopen Guidelines

Local COVID-19 Resources
Stay up to date with Shawano County case counts:
https://www.co.shawano.wi.us/departments/?department=5c6edb95d748&subdepartment=5da3aabb05e8

Stay up to date with Menominee County case counts:
https://www.co.menominee.wi.us/departments/?department=d5f584c71198

Or follow Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SMCHD/

Other COVID-19 Resources
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/outbreaks/index.htm
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019