For the Tomahawk Leader
LINCOLN COUNTY – The Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD) on Thursday, July 23 announced the launch of a “COVID-19 Outbreaks and Investigations” section on the department’s website.
The webpage, found at www.co.lincoln.wi.us/health/page/covid-19-outbreaks-and-investigations, is “dedicated to informing the public of potential locations in which a high risk exposure to COVID-19 may have occurred,” according to a release from LCHD. “The purpose of the webpage is to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our communities and to inform those who unknowingly may have been exposed to the virus so that they can take appropriate actions.”
The webpage includes a list of public establishments in Lincoln County where a high risk exposure occurred during the last two weeks and people that have been exposed are unable to be identified, the release said. Locations confirmed to have COVID-19 exposure but were able to identify all contacts will not be listed on the webpage.
Establishments are contacted by LCHD prior to being listed on the webpage, and guidance is provided about reducing future risk to staff and customers.
Establishments will remain on the list for two weeks after the person with COVID-19 last visited the location.
“LCHD wants to emphasize that if an establishment appears on this list, it doesn’t necessarily mean they did something wrong, nor does it mean they should be closed,” the release stated.
DHS definitions
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) defines an “outbreak” as “an establishment with two or more cases.”
A “close contact” is defined as “an individual who has been within six feet of a person with COVID-19 for 15 minutes or more or an individual who had direct exposure to bodily fluids (for example, through coughing, sneezing, spitting, or singing).”
“An exposure is considered high risk if two or more people were at an establishment while potentially infectious and all close contacts are not able to be identified,” according to the release.
Wisconsin COVID-19 Screening Tool
LCHD encourages individuals that were at an establishment during a high risk exposure to complete the Wisconsin COVID-19 Screening Tool (www.wihealthconnect.com) for free consultation and guidance from a Wisconsin medical professional.
“In addition, individuals should monitor symptoms and limit contact with others,” the release said. “If symptoms develop, individuals should contact their healthcare provider for further guidance on testing and medical care.”
COVID-19 community spread confirmed in Lincoln County
“Lincoln County has confirmed community spread of COVID-19,” the release stated. “If you are in a public place, you should expect to come into contact with COVID-19. It remains important to protect yourself and others through frequent hand washing, physical distancing, wearing masks, and staying home when you have any symptoms.”
For more information on COVID-19, visit www.co.lincoln.wi.us/covid19, www.dhs.wisconsin.gov, or www.cdc.gov.