MONROE – Governor Tony Evers declared a Public Health Emergency in response to new cases of COVID-19 occurring in Wisconsin March 12.

At this time Green County does not have anyone who has tested positive for the COVID-19 disease however, testing of people with symptoms and risk exposure is occurring. Green County Public Health is working closely with Green County Emergency Management, Monroe Clinic-SSM Health, Green County Sherriff’s Department and county officials as they prepare and respond to this rapidly evolving situation.

“As your Health Officer of Green County I am urging everyone to get the facts on COVID-19 and know how to protect yourself and your family,” RoAnn Warden RN, BSN said in a press release sent out the morning of March 13.

The symptoms of infection with COVID-19 are usually respiratory illness with fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Symptoms can appear in two to 14 days from exposure to the virus. COVID-19 can spread from person to person and can be spread through air by coughing, sneezing and close personal contacts like shaking hands. At this time there is no vaccine for COVID-19 or anti-viral medication. Older adults and people of all ages, who have underlying chronic medical conditions, like heart, lung disease or diabetes for example, seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from this virus.

Those who have traveled to an area with an outbreak of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has the disease and develop symptoms, should call your health care provider. They will determine if you need to be tested for the virus and they will tell you what steps to take next.

The best way to protect yourself and prevent getting infected from the COVID-19 virus is to avoid being exposed to it, which means staying away from outbreak areas and people who have been infected.

People should do the following now to protect themselves from COVID-19: 1. Frequent and thorough handwashing. Wash your hand with soap and water for 20 seconds. 2. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. Throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands afterward. 3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. 4. Do not come in close contact with people who are sick. 5. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. 6. Stay home when you are sick.

The public is encouraged to monitor the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website and Green County Public Health website for updates as more information comes out on this rapidly changing situation.

Additional information on COVID-19 can be found at CDC website