GUIDELINES FOR TREMPEALEAU COUNTY
COVID-19 Community Levels are a new tool to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data. Levels can be low, medium, or high and are determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area. Take precautions to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 based on the COVID-19 Community Level in your area.
These recommendations are subject to change as we learn more about COVID-19 and with additional guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS). We encourage everyone to follow current guidance from CDC and DHS, including specific recommendations for businesses and organizations. Businesses should also refer to the “Businesses” section on our website. Schools continue to work closely with the Trempealeau County Health Department on operating guidelines.
Resources:
CASE DATA
At this time, the Trempealeau County Health Department will not be updating the weekly case data. Information on COVID-19 cases can be found on the DHS data dashboard here: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/data.htm
CONTACT TRACING
What is contact tracing?
The goal of contact tracing is to prevent the spread of an infectious disease. Contact tracing plays a large part of slowing the spread of COVID-19.
Contact tracing is identifying everyone who was in close contact with a positive individual during their infectious period.
What is the infectious period of a COVID-19 positive individual?
For a symptomatic individual, the infectious period starts 2 days before their symptom onset date.
For an asymptomatic (symptom free) individual, the infectious period starts 2 days before the date they got tested for COVID-19.
Who is a close contact?
Close contacts are based on the level of contact with a positive individual during their infectious period.
People who fall into the category of being a close contact:
- Less than 6 feet of distance for 15 minutes or more
- Direct physical contact (e.g. hug, kiss, handshake)
- Contact with the person’s respiratory secretions (ex. coughed/sneezed on, shared a drinking glass, shared towels or other personal items)
- Stayed overnight for at least one night in a household with the person
What happens if I am identified as a close contact?
SYMPTOMS, TESTING, AND PREVENTION
About COVID-19
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets that are released when a sick (infected) person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. These droplets can remain in the air and on surfaces for an extended period of time. When people breathe in (inhale) the droplets, or touch surfaces that have been contaminated and then touch their mouth, face, or eyes, the virus can make them sick.
CDC: How COVID-19 Spreads
Symptoms
CDC: Symptoms of COVID-19
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms and not everyone with COVID-19 will have all of these symptoms. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after you were exposed to COVID-19. Symptoms range from not at all, mild, to severe. Those who do not show symptoms can still spread it to other people.
Testing
There is a laboratory test available to identify the virus that causes COVID-19. Call your doctor BEFORE going to the clinic or hospital if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or think you may be at higher risk. Your doctor will decide if you need to be tested based on your symptoms and other risk factors like underlying illness, contact with someone with COVID-19, and recent travel.
After being tested for COVID-19, you should self-quarantine until you receive your test results back. If your test comes back positive, leaving your home during the waiting period will expose other people to COVID-19. If you were tested and have not received your result within 7 days, please call the health department at 715-538-2311 ext. 220 and leave a message.
Where can I get tested for Covid-19?
CDC: Symptoms and Testing
Treatment
CDC: What to do if You are Sick
Prevention
The best way to prevent COVID-19 is to avoid being exposed to it and to get vaccinated. There are three vaccines available to protect yourself from COVID-19. Visit our vaccine page for more information. Here are some additional preventative measures you can follow to protect yourself, your family, and the community:
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Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
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Avoid close contact with people
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Practice social distancing (keeping 6 feet between people) when you have to go out
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Cover your coughs and sneezes (into your sleeve or elbow, not your hands)
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Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (e.g., doorknobs and light switches)
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Follow the guidance of the CDC, Wisconsin DHS, healthcare providers, and the Trempealeau County Health Department
Masks
For additional questions, contact the Trempealeau County Health Department at 715-538-2311 ext 220 or email us at tchealth@co.trempealeau.wi.us
INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES
Unemployment Benefits
Visit the Department of Workforce Development to apply for unemployment benefits.
State of WI Agency Resources
Many Wisconsin agencies are developing guidance and resources related to COVID-19. Visit this website for up-to-date information.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Program
WIC provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and local resources to families in need. If your income has changed recently and you are pregnant, breastfeeding or postpartum, or have a child under the age of 5, you may be eligible for WIC. Call or text 715-299-6472 to schedule your phone appointment.
Resources for Children
Helping Children Cope with Changes Resulting from COVID-19
CDC: Families and Children
For additional questions, contact the Trempealeau County Health Department at 715-538-2311 ext. 220 or email us at tchealth@co.trempealeau.wi.us
CHILDCARE AND SCHOOLS
Child Care
View up-to-date availability across the state using DCF’s child care map.
Individuals seeking assistance in finding a childcare provider can also reach out to Western Dairyland Child Care Partnership Resource & Referral at 1-800-782-1880 or www.childcarereferral.org.
Tips for Parents Using Child Care during COVID-19
Schools
School districts in Trempealeau County are working closely with the Trempealeau County Health Department to keep students/staff members safe and healthy.
See the Individuals and Families Sections for resources for children.
For additional questions, contact the Trempealeau County Health Department at 715-538-2311 ext. 220 or email us at tchealth@co.trempealeau.wi.us
BUSINESSES
Business Responsibilities
Businesses are responsible for providing safe operations and experiences for employees and customers. Additional safety measures will vary for each type of business.
Face Covering Signs
CDC Business Toolkit
WEDC Business Resources
COVID-19 Active Monitoring Template
For additional questions, contact the Trempealeau County Health Department at 715-538-2311 ext. 220 or email us at tchealth@co.trempealeau.wi.us
CLEANING
According to the CDC, there is evidence suggesting COVID-19 may live on surfaces for hours to days. The best practice for households is to clean visibly dirty surfaces and high-touch surfaces, following by disinfection to prevent COVID-19. High touch surfaces include: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks, and electronics. See the additional resources below for specific details on cleaning and disinfecting.
CDC: Cleaning and Disinfection for Households
CDC: Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility
For additional questions, contact the Trempealeau County Health Department at 715-538-2311 ext. 220 or email us at tchealth@co.trempealeau.wi.us
TRAVEL
Traveling increases your risk of getting COVID-19 and then spreading it to others. The best way to protect yourself and the community is to stay home. If you are still considering travel, please review the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. This includes things to consider prior to travel and how to best protect yourself while traveling.
CDC: Travel
For additional questions, contact the Trempealeau County Health Department at 715-538-2311 ext. 220 or email us at tchealth@co.trempealeau.wi.us
HEALTHCARE, EMS, LAW ENFORCEMENT
The following resources are from the CDC for essential businesses and employees in these fields.
Healthcare Professionals
Retirement Communities
For additional questions, contact the Trempealeau County Health Department at 715-538-2311 ext. 220 or email us at tchealth@co.trempealeau.wi.us
STRESS AND ANXIETY RESOURCES
You are not alone. Many people are experiencing stress and/or anxiety during this COVID-19 outbreak. There are resources available to help.
Things you can do to support yourself
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Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
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Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
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Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
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Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
Wisconsin DHS: COVID-19 Resilient Wisconsin Initiative
CDC: Stress and Coping
Support Resources
Caring Call Line – Trempealeau County Human Services can make periodic phone calls to families, adults, seniors, and anyone in need of regular check-ins during the COVID-19 crisis. If you would like a call, or are aware of someone who could benefit, provide the name and number of the individual to 715-538-1868 or 715-538-2311 ext. 291. All information is kept confidential.
Great Rivers 211 – Confidential community information, referral, and crisis line service that is available 24 hours a day for COVID-19 related stress and anxiety. Call 211 to speak with a specialist. With the high volume of calls, it is typically faster to text your zip code to 898211 or go chat online at 211wisconsin.communityos.org
HOPELINE Text Service – Support for people in emotional distress. Text HOPELINE to 741741.
National Disaster Distress Hotline – Support for feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety. Call 1-800-985-5990 or test TalkWithUs to 66746 to speak with a trained crisis counselor.
National Domestic Violence Hotline – Support for anyone experiencing domestic violence. Call 800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522.
National Sexual Assault Hotline – Connect to a sexual assault service provider in your area. Call 800-656-4673.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Free and confidential emotional support to people in emotional distress of suicidal crisis 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call and Chat are available at 1-800-273-8255.
Trevor Project (LGBTQ Youth) – Speak to a counselor trained to offer support in a judgment-free zone. Call 866-488-7386 or text START to 678678.
Veterans Crisis Line – Support for veterans struggling to cope with life’s challenges. Call 800-273-8255 and press 1.
Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline – Connect to services in your area. Call 833-944-4673 or text your zip code to 898211.
For additional questions, contact the Trempealeau County Health Department at 715-538-2311 ext. 220 or email us at tchealth@co.trempealeau.wi.us
