WEST POINT – Today, Governor Evers declared the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) a Public Health Emergency. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that originated in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The virus spreads in a similar manner as other influenzas, including when a person coughs or sneezes. COVID-19 can cause severe illness and pneumonia. The symptoms for the disease include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

“I trust the Governor and the Department of Health Services to look out for Wisconsinites,” said Senator Erpenbach. “As the Governor said, we cannot do this alone. Make sure that you are taking steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.”

There is currently not a vaccine for COVID-19, but there are steps that you should be taking to protect yourself and your loved ones from getting sick. At this time, social distancing is the most effective way to protect yourself. Social distancing means avoiding situations where larger groups of people gather in order to stop or slow the spread of infectious diseases. Social distancing measures include limiting large groups of people coming together, closing buildings and canceling events. In order to slow the spread of respiratory viruses, you should be washing your hands often with soap and water, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, avoid others who are sick, cover your cough, and clean surfaces and objects that you regularly use. Also, do not forget to stay home if you are sick!

While COVID-19 is scary, it is important to avoid using fear and anxiety as an excuse to discriminate and create stigma against those who are quarantined. Instead of directing anger or fear towards a group of people, it is important to stay informed, seek out reliable information on COVID-19, and only share facts with friends and family.

To learn more, check out the Department of Health Services website and updates from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email