Richland Center, WI: A virtual Emergency Operations Center meeting was held again 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 Tuesday, March 31st the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) confirmed that in the state of Wisconsin there were 1,351 confirmed cases for COVID-19, 17,375 have tested negative, and there were 16 deaths related to COVID-19. There remain 2 confirmed cases of COVID-19 within Richland County at this time and Public Health staff continue to monitor those individuals and investigate potential exposure. Kohout encouraged Richland County citizens to maintain social distancing and stay home if possible, as we have to assume the virus is everywhere.
The Richland Hospital Coronavirus Hotline is available 24 hours/day and patients should call (608) 604-9953 BEFORE coming to the hospital. The Richland Hospital, Pine Valley Community Village, and Schmitt Woodland Hills continue to accept donations of handmade masks from the community.
Richland County Administrator Clinton Langreck announced that Jasen Glasbrenner started as the Richland County Economic Development Director today and he will be working collaboratively with Richland Center Tourism Coordinator Marty Richards to support area businesses and industries during this uncertain time. The Greater Richland Area Chamber of Commerce Office continues to offer valuable information on their website www.gorcchamber.com.
All University of Wisconsin-Platteville/Richland, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, Richland School District, and Ithaca School District buildings and playgrounds remain closed to the public until further notice. These schools continue online learning and a meal delivery program for students.
For the most up-to-date COVID-19 information, follow Richland County Health & Human Services on Facebook or consult the following websites:
- Richland County: https://covid.co.richland.wi.us
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services: www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
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