Richland Center, WI: A virtual Emergency Operations Center meeting was held this morning to share information between Richland County officials and community partners in a joint response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Public Health Manager/Local Health Officer Rose Kohout announced that as of 2:00pm yesterday the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) confirmed that there were 106 confirmed cases for COVID-19 in the state of Wisconsin and 1,577 have tested negative. There is no confirmed case of COVID-19 within Richland County at this time. Ms. Kohout reported that Richland County Public Health has reassigned or secured additional staff to assist with their COVID-19 activities. Public Health has had to cancel offering TB skin tests and Childhood Immunization clinics, but will still provide influenza vaccinations by appointment only. All congregate meal sites have been closed until further notice.

The Richland Hospital continues offering drive-thru testing daily from 8-11am and request that patients call their Coronavirus Hotline at (608) 604-9953 BEFORE coming to the hospital. The Richland Hospital Coronavirus Hotline is available 24 hours/day. The Wisconsin State Lab is prioritizing tests, so test results may take longer than 1-2 days as was originally estimated.

Richland County Health & Human Services Director Tracy Thorsen reports that at this time the building remains open with reduced services and the practice of social distancing. Crisis services and Child Protective Services or Adult Protective Services continue to be offered 24/7. Client appointments are being held in-person only if individuals are not displaying symptoms. Individuals are being requested to drop off documents in the outside drop box.

Richland County Administrator Clinton Langreck announced that the Symons Recreation Complex, Richland County Sheriff’s Department Administrative office, and Richland County Highway Shop are closed to the public. The Richland County Zoning Office is open by appointment only. The Richland County Jail is screening visitors and all other departments in the Richland County Courthouse continue to be open. At this time, all other Richland County Departments remain open to the public as well.

All other community partners continue to work in groups of 10 or less people and practice social distancing of six feet between people. Many local restaurants and taverns are closed, but some are offering Take-Out or delivery food ordering options. Small business owners are being asked to email Marty Richards with their contact information at martyjrichards@gmail.com to develop a communication method for those community partners.

For more information, follow Richland County Health & Human Services on Facebook or consult the following websites:

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