Washington County Begins Emergency Protocols to Mitigate COVID-19 Spread
County Board Chair proclaims state of emergency
Cross-functional response team meeting. Photo courtesy of Washington County.
West Bend, WI – Yesterday afternoon, County Board Chair Don Kriefall proclaimed a state of emergency in Washington County. This action ensures Washington County puts into place emergency protocols to aid in the readiness of Washington County’s first COVID-19 cases.
Prior to the declaration the county assembled a cross-functional emergency response team and held conference calls with area school leaders and local elected officials.
As of 11:30am on Saturday, March 14, there are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Washington County; however, numerous tests are pending. Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department, in coordination with Wisconsin Department of Health and Human Services and other local health departments, is actively monitoring the situation. County staff is in close contact with the White House, Governor’s office, and numerous state agencies. We are working with partner agencies and local hospital systems to ensure that our County is prepared in the event that residents need care and testing. State residents can monitor the, health department’s webpage, DHS COVID 19 webpage and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites for updated information.
Risk of COVID-19 spread remains low, the county is proactively taking a number of steps in order to plan for and help keep employees, residents and visitors in Washington County safe:
- Studies show social distancing is the best way to bend the epidemiological curve. The county is reviewing events at our facilities and recommending the postponement of large events
- Samaritan Campus has immediately suspended visitation to the assisted living and nursing facilities
- Assembling a Washington County emergency management team to outline our response to this situation
- Taking additional measures by the facilities team to ensure access to clean, sanitary facilities, paying extra attention to disinfecting surfaces and utilizing cleaning agents approved for use against the COVID-19 virus
- Working to ensure supplies are adequately stocked
- Coordinating a calls between health officials, county officials, municipalities and school leaders to help ensure a well-informed, strategic and coordinated response to the pandemic
- Meeting with regional leaders to help ensure a well-informed, strategic and coordinated response
- The transit system remains open
Tips for prevention:
- Stay home if you’re sick with any symptoms
- Clean your hands with antibacterial soap often
- Avoid close contact with anyone exhibiting symptoms
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue
We will update you regarding any additional precautionary measures to be taken in County facilities as we continue to work towards maintaining a safe and secure community in Washington County.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
More about the Coronavirus Pandemic
- Governors Tony Evers, JB Pritzker, Tim Walz, and Gretchen Whitmer Issue a Joint Statement Concerning Reports that Donald Trump Gave Russian Dictator Putin American COVID-19 Supplies - Gov. Tony Evers - Oct 11th, 2024
- MHD Release: Milwaukee Health Department Launches COVID-19 Wastewater Testing Dashboard - City of Milwaukee Health Department - Jan 23rd, 2024
- Milwaukee County Announces New Policies Related to COVID-19 Pandemic - County Executive David Crowley - May 9th, 2023
- DHS Details End of Emergency COVID-19 Response - Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Apr 26th, 2023
- Milwaukee Health Department Announces Upcoming Changes to COVID-19 Services - City of Milwaukee Health Department - Mar 17th, 2023
- Fitzgerald Applauds Passage of COVID-19 Origin Act - U.S. Rep. Scott Fitzgerald - Mar 10th, 2023
- DHS Expands Free COVID-19 Testing Program - Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Feb 10th, 2023
- MKE County: COVID-19 Hospitalizations Rising - Graham Kilmer - Jan 16th, 2023
- Not Enough Getting Bivalent Booster Shots, State Health Officials Warn - Gaby Vinick - Dec 26th, 2022
- Nearly All Wisconsinites Age 6 Months and Older Now Eligible for Updated COVID-19 Vaccine - Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Dec 15th, 2022
Read more about Coronavirus Pandemic here
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Washington County
Washington County Executive to Release “Blueprint for Reopening”
Apr 20th, 2020 by Washington CountyWashington Ozaukee Public Health Officer to brief county board at organizational meeting
Washington County Begins Emergency Protocols to Mitigate COVID-19 Spread
Mar 14th, 2020 by Washington CountyCounty Board Chair proclaims state of emergency
Washington County Leaders Request $1.6 Million “Brownfield” Investment
Mar 9th, 2020 by Washington CountyBrownfield developments restore communities and preserve farmland
