Health departments will no longer issue press releases for new cases, point to online resources
For the Tomahawk Leader
NORTHERN WISCONSIN – A 10th person has tested positive for COVID-19 in Lincoln County, the Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD) said on Tuesday, June 30.
The Oneida County Health Department (OCHD) on Monday, June 29 stated it had confirmed the county’s 19th case of the virus.
Both departments said they will no longer issue press releases for new cases, but will continue to provide regular updates online.
Lincoln County
Lincoln County’s 10th individual to test positive is in their 20s and is a close contact with someone who has previously tested positive for the disease. The individual is in isolation and those exposed have been contacted.
Lincoln County Health Department Director and Health Officer Shelley Hersil reminded community members to continue to practice physical distancing.
“We are starting to see an increase in the number of individuals exposed to people who have COVID-19,” Hersil stated. “These exposures are occurring with more families and friends getting together for celebrations as well as socializing in public places.”
Along with practicing physical distancing, LCHD issued multiple reminders, including staying home as much as possible, using good hand hygiene, implementing enhanced cleaning practices, and utilizing cloth face coverings when in public.
“It’s important to take extra precaution with older adults and those at higher risk for complications of COVID-19,” LCHD said. “If you choose to gather and not follow guidance, understand that you should avoid contact with high risk individuals to protect them from getting COVID-19.”
LCHD will no longer issue press releases for new COVID-19 cases in Lincoln County. Regularly updated COVID-19 statistics and information can be found online at www.co.lincoln.wi.us/health/page/novel-coronavirus-covid-19 and www.facebook.com/LincolnCountyPublicHealth.
Oneida County
With the announcement of a nineteenth positive COVID-19 test, OCHD stated it will no longer issue press releases for each new case. Case information can be found on the health department’s website and on Facebook page.
The newly confirmed positive case is an individual in their 70s who is not a close contact with someone previously testing positive. The individual has no history of travel outside the community, is isolating and poses no significant risk to the general public.
OCHD continues to encourage everyone to stay home as much as possible, practice physical distancing, good hand hygiene, enhanced cleaning practices and wear cloth face coverings when social distancing is difficult to do. If experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, contact your medical provider to be tested.