Richland Center, WI: Effective immediately, County Administrator Clinton Langreck has declared a Public Health Emergency in Richland County in an effort to guard against the spread of COVID-19, also known as Coronavirus.

As of today, there remain no confirmed cases of COVID-19 within Richland County. However, multiple cases have now been reported in several other Wisconsin counties. Because of this, county officials are proactively trying to minimize the effects of the virus locally. Richland County’s action follows Governor Tony Evers recent statewide emergency declaration.

The County Administrator is recommending the following preventive guidelines for individuals, businesses and organizations:

People at higher risk are encouraged to stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible. Higher risk individuals include:

People 60 and over;

People with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes; and

People with weakened immune systems.

Visitors will be restricted from the Richland County Jail.

Per Wisconsin Department of Health Services, organizers of public gatherings with at least 250 people are recommended to cancel their events, however, many are adhering to a smaller threshold of 50 or more people to reduce opportunities for person-to-person virus transmission.

Non-essential travel for all individuals is discouraged. Those planning trips should consider the risks versus the benefits, not only to themselves, but to the more vulnerable population.

Richland County Public Health is closely monitoring and responding to COVID-19 information provided by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION REGARDING COVID-19

When to seek medical evaluation and advice:

    • Please call your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms including cough, fever, or other respiratory problems. Do not go to the emergency room; call ahead to let them know you need to come in with these specific symptoms and do not sit in the waiting room. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs.
    • Call 911 if you are having a medical emergency. In addition to the recommendations listed above, the CDC is advising the public to:
      • Stay home when sick.
      • Practice excellent personal hygiene habits, including handwashing, coughing into tissue or elbow, avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth.
      • Stay six feet away from people who are ill, especially if you are 60 and older or have underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or a weakened immune system.
      • Do not shake hands with anyone and avoid unnecessary contact.

Stay informed as information is changing rapidly. Reliable sources include:

For further updates, follow Richland County Health & Human Services on Facebook.

-End-

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