Richland Center, WI: As rates of COVID-19 climb in Wisconsin, Richland County Public Health strongly recommends wearing a mask in public. Given that there is no effective treatment or vaccine available, mask-wearing, combined with social distancing, avoiding large groups, disinfecting frequently-touched surfaces, and not touching one’s face are the only means we have for reducing the transmission of COVID-19.
In some areas of the country, counties that have adhered to stricter mask rules have seen favorable trends in the percentage of new cases. Richland County has been fortunate to have had a lower number of confirmed cases than our neighboring counties and region. This does not mean, however, that COVID-19 does not exist in our communities. As summer unfolds, we understand that people plan to get together for family and community gatherings and sporting events. Unfortunately, these are situations which lend themselves to exposure to the virus if precautions are not taken.
Richland County wants everyone to have a safe and healthy summer and the use of preventive measures, especially masks, will help to reduce our risk. Richland County Public Health would like to commend residents on their efforts to keep both themselves and their neighbors safe. We do not want to lose the progress we’ve made. “Now, more than ever, our health depends on the actions of everyone we meet. Wearing a mask is a small investment in time and effort that will pay big rewards” stated Rose Kohout, Richland County Public Health Manager/Local Health Officer.
If you have a COVID-19 question that you want our community partners to answer, please call Richland County Health & Human Services at 608-647-8821 and submit your question to the receptionist or email the question to rchhs@co.richland.wi.us. Citizens are encouraged to check out the Richland County COVID-19 Dashboard which offers helpful data to better understand the impact of the pandemic globally and locally: https://covid.co.richland.wi.us/2020/04/21/richland-county-covid-19-dashboard/. 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
- The Greater Richland Area Chamber of Commerce: www.gorcchamber.com
- 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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