March 17, 2020 – Washington Co., WI – The Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department received notification a person residing in Washington County has tested positive for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). This person sought medical care and was tested as a result of their symptoms.
The individual is currently isolated and has followed all recommendations made by the Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department.
To prevent the spread of illness, the Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department is conducting a contact investigation to identify and follow-up with any people who had close contact with this individual. Close contacts will be monitored by local public health department staff; individuals will complete daily symptom and temperature checks and will be self-quarantined.
Today, Governor Tony Evers ordered a moratorium on mass gatherings of 10 people or more to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Effective at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 all public and private mass gatherings of 10 or more are prohibited in the State of Wisconsin. Additionally, all bars and restaurants shall close in the State of Wisconsin except for delivery and take-out services.
To minimize the spread of illness, the Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department recommends people postpone or cancel non-essential travel to areas with COVID-19, including both international travel and domestic travel. Residents are urged to stay home if they are sick, practice social distancing of 6 feet or more between other people, practice good hygiene by washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and frequently disinfect commonly touched surfaces.
“In an effort to slow the spread of COVID- 19, we ask all of our residents to heed the Governor’s orders and to consider the health of the most vulnerable in our communities,” said Health Officer Kirsten Johnson.
Johnson said it is department policy not to release the municipality of the person who has tested positive.
The direct number to the health department is 262-335-4462.
The department is run by a board of directors which is chaired by Washington County Board chairman Don Kriefall. (262) 335-4307
don.kriefall@co.washington.wi.us
There are numerous resources on the CDC website to help prepare for and respond to COVID-19.
I can understand why the infected person’s name would not be made public but the very least we should know is what community the person resides in. It would certainly help to at least know what areas of Washington County to avoid if we can.
I agree at least knowing where the individual resided with the good to know but then again that we too good of information provided you want to keep us in the dark as much as possible okay
Exactly! Just giving county name increases worry for all residents and one worries about even going to the grocery store in the area because we do not know exactly what city of Washington County is being monitored and which areas need to be avoided or be extra cautious about.
I absolutely agree! It is our right to know at least what area this person lives in. it doesn’t make sense to keep that information away from us.
The Washington Ozaukee Health Department is citing the person’s privacy. That WashOz HD is a government run, taxpayer funded organization. Its number is public at 262-808-6742
Would it be possible to give an area by street name (between xyz and 123)
I have asked the Wash/Oz Health Dept. for more info. They said they are “trying to protect the identity of the person.” They cited HIPAA but when further questioned they said it was ‘their standard/rules’ not to give out community location. Feel free to give a call – it’s a government organization run by your tax dollars 262-808-6742.