Driver killed in single vehicle crash

Clayton County, Iowa - On January 16th, 2021 at approximately 7:00 PM the Clayton County Communications Center received a report of a one vehicle accident on Great River Road near Errthum Road.
   Upon arrival it was determined a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado was traveling westbound on Great River Road when it failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway. The Chevrolet Silverado entered the north ditch and collided head-on with a rock bluff. The driver and only occupant of the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene.
   The identity of the driver is being withheld pending notification of family members. Assisting the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office on scene was Guttenberg Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, Holy Cross Fire and EMS, and Autotek Service Center.

Wisconsin has the more infective Covid strain

Madison, WI - Janurary 13, 2020 - The DHS and Laboratory Partners Identify Variant Strain B.1.1.7 of SARS-CoV-2 in Wisconsin
   On January 12 , Wisconsin Department of Health Services and laboratory partners identified a variant strain of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in Wisconsin.
   The particular variant, referred to as B.1.1.7, was first discovered circulating widely in England during November and December of 2020. Based on epidemiologic and modeling studies, researchers believe that this new strain spreads more rapidly and easily than the original strain of SARS-CoV-2. However, there is no evidence that the new strain causes more severe illness or increased risk of death.

COVID-19 Vaccine Roll-out to the Community

January 12, 2021 - The COVID-19 vaccination will be distributed to the community in a series of phases due to vaccine supply.  While the vaccine supply is limited right now, this phased approach allows for priority groups to receive vaccine first.
   Phase 1 is split into three sub groups, 1A, 1B and 1C.  These specific populations are determined by the WI Department of Health Services who follow CDC and ACIP and SDMAC (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and Wisconsin’s State Disaster Medical Advisory Committee) recommendations and requirements.  The local health care systems and public health departments provide vaccinations to these groups as directed by the WI Department of Health Services.
   Phase 1A includes individuals who provide direct patient service or engage in activities that may place them in contact with infected persons or materials.   These individuals are health care workers and long-term care staff and residents. 
Individuals in phase 1A are currently receiving vaccinations through their employers or Crawford County Public Health and have been notified of these opportunities.  The goal is to have all Crawford County residents, who want to receive the vaccination and are in phase 1A classification vaccinated by the end of this month.
   Phase 1B includes essential workers.  The defined list of those that will be classified as “essential workers” has not yet been released from WI DHS.  This phase will include critical infrastructure services and specific groups will be released and notified as we move forward.
   The WI DHS has released that police and fire personnel will be eligible to receive their vaccine starting the week of January 18th.   The Crawford County Public Health Department is working with these organizations to determine the individuals that would like the vaccine and will hold a clinic for these individuals in the near future.  If you are an individual that fits in the 1A phase or are police and fire personnel and would like to receive your vaccination, contact your organization for details. 
   Phase 1C will include individuals who are considered higher risk for severe illness based on age and/or health history.  We do not have an estimated timeframe on when this phase will start at this time.  Stay tuned for future notifications from Crawford County Public Health as vaccines are available for other groups.  Please be patient, as this process may take several months.  When supplies are here, we are committed to get everyone who wants a vaccine will be able to receive one.

Crawford County Public Health Recommends
Loosening Restrictions and Moving to Stage 2

January 4, 2020 - Crawford County Public Health reports fifty-seven COVID-19 cases in the last 14 days, this is half the amount of cases reported in the prior 2-week period.  The positivity rate is also decreased from 11.3% two weeks ago to 6.4% currently. “At the beginning of November, we were at a 22% positivity rate, we are seeing a steady decrease of cases over the last six weeks, which is great.” says Cindy Riniker, Health Officer.  
   With over half of our 8 metrics being green, we feel comfortable easing restrictions due to less evidence of high rates of community spread.  While we are all happy to be less restrictive it is still being advised with caution.  Virus activity comes ad goes in waves, while we are on the downward trend now, this does not mean the trend will not increase again in the future.   
   Crawford County’s Stage 2 includes the following recommendations:
   Limit the amount of people in close contact at public gatherings to 50% of the total occupancy.
   Limit indoor gatherings to 50 people or less. 
   Limit outdoor gatherings to 100 people or less.
   Be cautious when attending non-essential gatherings

Good News - Crossing Rivers begins
vaccinating staff against COVID-19

Crossing Rivers Health Staff Receive COVID-19 Vaccine
Prairie du Chien, WI – December 30, 2020 - Underneath her mask, Crossing Rivers Health Urgent Care Physician Assistant, Jeanne Tobin, was all smiles as she was the first staff member to receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine earlier this week. Tobin shared, “I got my vaccine to protect friends, family, and our patients. I’ll protect myself to protect you.”
   On Tuesday, December 22, Crossing Rivers Health received notification they had been allocated doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. After receiving all necessary supplies, vaccination clinics were able to begin for Crossing Rivers Health staff.
   “This COVID-19 pandemic has been a long journey for all of us. A vaccine does not mean that it’s over quite yet, but having the vaccine available to our staff is an exciting turning point in this journey. This will allow us to protect our valuable staff, our patients, and our communities,” shared Jenny Pritchett, Chief Clinical Officer at Crossing Rivers Health. “We strongly recommend and encourage community members to educate themselves on the COVID-19 vaccine, which is the type of COVID-19 vaccine currently available.”

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