July 20, 2020 – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread in Wisconsin, a diverse coalition of the state’s leading advocacy organizations have partnered on a message to the public urging preventive measures to reduce the virus’ spread. Representing some of Wisconsin’s leading health care and business organizations – as well as local governments – the coalition today launched a public service announcement (PSA) encouraging the use of social distancing, proper handwashing techniques and wearing protective masks:
You can access Fort HealthCare’s e+Care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Most visits take 15 minutes, and you’ll receive a diagnosis within 1 hour or less, saving you precious time and potentially taking a number in the waiting room. No appointments. No need to leave home, work or campus. LEARN MORE
If you are not feeling well, have flu-like symptoms, or suspect you may have been in contact with someone else who is exhibiting symptoms of the COVID-19 virus, we advise you to call your Primary Care Provider’s office to seek guidance on what steps to take.
Fort HealthCare is also be offering screenings through e+Care online health care. Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, it is not advised that you seek care at a hospital emergency department unless you are advised to do so by your healthcare provider.
An alternative to physically coming into the clinic for a scheduled appointment is to request a Video Visit instead. Learn more about how those types of visits work, when they are appropriate, and how they are billed by clicking here.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website contains the latest information about Coronavirus (COVID-19), how to protect yourself, symptoms, resources and guidelines for travel, schools, businesses and community members – as well as the latest updates and trends regarding the spread and containment measures of the virus.
The Wisconsin DHS site is also providing up to date information about the COVID-19 disease, specific to Wisconsin.
According to this site, the main way COVID-19 is spread to others is when an infected person coughs or sneezes. This is similar to how influenza is spread. The virus is found in droplets from the throat and nose. When someone coughs or sneezes, other people near them can breathe in those droplets. The virus can also spread when someone touches an object with the virus on it. If that person touches their mouth, face, or eyes the virus can make them sick.
The JCHD’s website provides local information and resources for businesses and community members regarding the COVID-19 disease, including their priority areas for staying up to date on the subject, as well as suggestions for what you can do to stay safe and prevent the spread of the disease.
According to their site, the JCHD aims to prevent the spread of illness among the public by offering educational resources, communicable disease surveillance, and investigation when needed. Since January, their public health professionals have been hard at work preparing for and monitoring the coronavirus.
You can also follow them on Twitter @jeffcohealthwi.
People who have been exposed to the new coronavirus and who are at risk for coming down with COVID-19 might practice self-quarantine. Health experts recommend that self-quarantine lasts 14 days. Two weeks provides enough time for them to know whether or not they will become ill and be contagious to other people. You might be asked to practice self-quarantine if you have recently returned from traveling to a part of the country or the world where COVID-19 is spreading rapidly, or if you have knowingly been exposed to an infected person.
What is Social Distancing?
Social distancing is deliberately increasing the physical space between people to avoid spreading illness. Staying at least six feet away from other people lessens your chances of catching COVID-19.
Johns Hopkins Medicine has put together an informative web page on the topics of self-quarantine and social distancing.
In partnership with Fort HealthCare, if you need to use this free, local 24/7 Zero Suicide Hopeline: Text HOPELINE to 741741 – from anywhere, anytime, about any challenge or struggle. Help and hope is just a text away. Visit HOPELINE‘s website for more information.
