COVID-19 Update

April 2, 2020

COVID-19 Update

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 2, 2020

CONTACT:  Kathy Munsey, Green Lake County Health Officer

COVID-19 Update Probable Case in Green Lake County

Green Lake County Public Health announced today that there is one probable case of COVID-19 in our county. A probable case means that an individual has had close contact with someone who has been confirmed by a laboratory test to have COVID-19 and that the individual is currently having symptoms that are consistent with COVID-19 infection. In these instances, a healthcare provider may choose not to test the individual, especially if symptoms are mild and in instances where testing would likely not change the outcome of the case. Without laboratory confirmation, the individual is assumed to have COVID-19 based on risk but is not considered a confirmed positive. In these situations, the Health Department treats these individuals in the same manner as confirmed cases and they remain under self- isolation until they have met the requirements of local, state, and federal officals for release from isolation.

“We are in daily contact with this individual to monitor their symptoms and ensure they are receiving support to be able to isolate at home,” said Kathy Munsey, Green Lake County Health Officer.  

When handling probable or confirmed cases, the Green Lake County Health Department and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) responsibilities include:

  • Identifying and contacting anyone who has been in close contact with a person who has or is believed to have COVID-19. These people are asked to quarantine themselves for 14 days from their exposure and will be monitored for fever and respiratory symptoms. People with symptoms are tested for COVID-19.
  • Providing guidance to healthcare providers and other health partners regarding testing, infection prevention, and providing updates on changes in state or federal recommendations.
  • Working with the community to continue to implement strategies that reduce exposure to the virus.
  • Continuing to prepare the community for the evolving situation and working on strategies to help mitigate the immediate and long-term effects of the pandemic.

Green Lake County Health Department continues to monitor and track developments during this outbreak. We are working with our local, state, and federal partners to quickly and effectively address siutations where people have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been around people have been infected with the coronavirus.

The health department wants everyone to know that due to increasing community spread in the state, the risk of getting the illness increases if you do not stay home. People should follow simple steps to avoid getting sick, including:

  • Frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes.
  • Avoid touching your face.
  • Stay home except for essential purposes.
  • Practice social distancing if you must go out.

“Green Lake County Public Health continues to prepare for an increased number of cases. We will continue to work with DHS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and our local partners to make sure our community remains safe and healthy,” Munsey said. “We ask that you all do your part too and stay home.”

This is a rapidly evolving situation. For the latest information, visit the CDC’s website or the DHS website.

For the latest information about COVID-19 in Green Lake County, visit:

our website at:  https://www.greenlakecountywi.gov/departments/health-human-services-health-unit/ or follow us on Facebook.


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