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November 7, 2020
Crawford County is Moving the Wrong Direction and Must Take Action
Crawford County Public Health reports 149 COVID-19 cases in the last 14 days an increase from 86 cases in the last two-week period. This is the highest positivity rate we have seen yet, at 16.6%. We are seeing increased cases of healthcare workers as well as K-12 staff and students. “The virus is spreading and making it difficult for businesses, schools and healthcare facilities to run effectively.” says Cindy Riniker, Health Officer.
While some of the cases have been linked to other positive cases, 60% had no idea where they contracted the virus and were considered community spread. These cases spread throughout the county and range in ages under 10 to over 80 years old.
With over half of our 8 metrics being red, it is clear that our county must take action to slow the spread of COVID-19. We have been in phase 1 for the last month yet it seems many are not changing their behavior to help slow the spread. Many cases report attending group gathering in the days before symptoms began. With the Holidays coming up we want to remind everyone to please do your part to slow the spread.
* Limit the amount of people in close contact at public gatherings to 25% of the total occupancy.
* Limit indoor gatherings to 10 people or less.
* Limit outdoor gatherings to 25 people or less.
* Post-pone or cancel all non-essential gatherings and travel
With cases increasing so drastically in the last two-weeks we are also recommending that schools postpone all contact sports and consider moving to virtual learning for middle school and high school students. Our hope is if we can slow the spread, this recommendation could be lifted after our next bi-weekly metrics. If it does not slow, we may be recommending this through the end of the year.
All residents, organizations and facilities of Crawford County must be diligent now if we want to help our schools and businesses keep their doors open. It is time to stay home as much as possible and limit all non-essential gatherings with others. We understand we are all tired of these restrictions, but we are nearing our healthcare facilities not being able to provide services. We are begging you to keep distance from others, wear face coverings, wash your hands, avoid group gatherings and stay home when you are sick.
For more details about the Crawford County-Moving Forward Plan and the metrics used to determine reopening go to crawfordcountywi.org/health .
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