Two counties each confirm 4 COVID cases
The health departments in Clark and Marathon counties each confirmed a fourth positive case of coronavirus (COVID- 19) on Tuesday.
The Marathon County Public Health Department said the person who tested positive is currently isolated and has a history of travel to areas where there is community spread of COVID-19.
On Sunday and Monday, the department announced the county’s second and third cases of COVID-19. Officials said they will contact individuals who have come in close contact with these people as part of an ongoing investigation.
Anyone who has had close contact with the individual and is symptomatic will be isolated.
Further, the Marathon County Health Department will be checking daily with individuals who are isolated to their home. People who have been in contact with the person and don’t have symptoms will be self-quarantined at home and asked to monitor themselves for symptoms. Persons who are self-quarantining should contact their health care provider if symptoms appear.
The Clark County Health Department (CCHD) also confirmed its fourth positive case of coronavirus (COVID-19) on Tuesday.
All four cases had been in close contact with each other at one point, and currently all four individuals are at home and in isolation. The CCHD has conducted an investigation of the newly identified case and is following up with others with whom this individual had close contact.
In accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and by the guidance of the Clark County attorney, the Clark County Health Department will not be releasing the locations, ages, or genders of any confirmed or pending COVID-19 cases.
“It is our utmost duty to protect the identity of those we are serving. Yes, some counties have disclosed the locations of their positive cases,” said Rebecca Greisen, health educator for the county. “However, in pretty much every instance, those towns or cities are much larger than the towns we have here in Clark County.”
“For example, if one of our cases were in Willard, Longwood or Humbird, that automatically narrows it down to less than 900 people—and several of these communities are very tight knit; people know each other. That isn’t fair to the patient or person who has tested positive. Regardless of where the positive cases are located in the county, all residents should already be abiding by Governor Evers’ Safer at Home Order and taking extra precautions,” Greisen said.
Currently, there are four positive and seven 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, the health department said.
“The true number of infected individuals is likely not accurately reflected in the number of positive cases. We can only report numbers on those who go in to get tested and get a lab-confirmed positive test result. Individuals can be infected with COVID-19 even if they are not showing symptoms. As testing criteria becomes stricter, less positive cases will be reported, as fewer people will be tested,” said Brittany Mews, Clark County Health Department director.
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.
Symptoms of COVID-19 to watch for include: cough, fever, or shortness of breath or other respiratory symptoms. Contact your healthcare provider for instructions before going to a clinic.
“We can’t contain the spread without the help of everyone,” said Judy Burrows, public information officer for the MCHD. “The Marathon County Health Department has the experience in disease investigation and monitoring persons who are in isolation. We need the community to help us help control the spread of COVID-19.”
