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.
