• In Winnebago County, we currently have 5 positive cases of COVID-19, 28 negative results and 34 pending. The two new cases were linked to one of the first three cases reported. The Health Department is following up to identify all close contacts.

• Statewide there have been 106 positive COVID-19 cases and 1,577 negative as of 2:00 p.m. on March 18, 2020. For information on statewide activity and locations with community spread, visit the DHS website.

• Although there is currently no evidence of community transmission in Winnebago County, there is in other areas of our state. Following public health guidelines for social distancing and Gov. Evers' orders for restriction of mass gatherings remains critically important. These efforts will help delay local community transmission in our area.

• Gov. Tony Evers has ordered all child care settings to restrict their size to no more than 10 staff and 50 children present at a time. This restriction goes into effect at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, and will remain until Executive Order #72, declaring COVID-19 a health emergency, is suspended.

• Gov. Evers has issued an emergency order prohibiting all mass gatherings of 10 or more. Think about how you can decrease close contacts and crowded environments. Stay home as much as possible. Law enforcement agencies are monitoring establishments. Click below for additional resources:
• Emergency Order #5, which includes additional details and exemptions
• NEW Mass Gathering FAQs

• Learn about precautions for high risk and elderly individuals

• Everyone who needs a COVID-19 test will have access to a test, but not everyone that wants a test will be tested. This is due to a national shortage of COVID-19 tests. Testing is limited to the highest priority patients and health care workers. Although labs have significantly increased their capacity, the number of samples being received exceeds daily capacity. With the increased number of COVID-19 cases reported nationally and identified community spread in Wisconsin, health care providers are urged to prioritize testing for hospitalized patients for whom timely diagnosis of COVID-19 is critical. Testing should be prioritized based on clinical criteria. Testing is not recommended for people with mild, upper respiratory symptoms, or those with mild illnesses for which they would not normally seek medical care. It is recommended that these individuals self-isolate at home until their symptoms improve. Information for healthcare providers on testing guidance and an updated, required triage form are available on the DHS COVID-19 website.

• DHS has released new guidance for adult/juvenile correctional facilities, local jails, and secure treatment centers

• Additional guidance is coming soon from DHS for quarantine and isolation violations and employers.

• WIC FAMILIES: WIC is still operating, but in-person visits for Winnebago County are temporarily suspended. If you have an upcoming appointment, we will be in contact via the methods we have on file to provide guidance on options available to complete your appointment remotely so you can continue to receive benefits. If you have questions or need to update your contact information, please call 920-232-3350 (Oshkosh) or 920-729-2945 (Neenah).

• Unemployment information from the Department of Workforce Development - Do you qualify? What happens if your company shuts down?

• Nonprofit Community: Many people have expressed interest in volunteering. Volunteer Fox Cities wants to assist the nonprofit community in helping determine critical volunteer needs. If you are a nonprofit, take this quick survey on urgent volunteer needs to best coordinate volunteer efforts.

• United Way’s 2-1-1 service is now accepting calls for questions related to the COVID-19 crisis that are non-medical in nature. These calls might pertain to such needs as:
• Food delivery programs for home-bound seniors
• Transportation options
• Nutrition programs for children who rely on free and reduced meals at school
• Information on community resources
• Text COVID19 to 211-211 / Visit 211Wisconsin.org / Call 211 (Call volumes are high, please be patient and try to use the text or online options first)

• Support your local restaurants and restaurant workers. Click here to find restaurants who provide delivery, curbside or to-go services. Restaurant owners can also request to have their restaurant added to the list.

• Check your school district's website for free lunch and breakfast options available during COVID-19 school closures. Some are linked below:
• Neenah Joint School District
• Menasha Joint School District
• Omro District
• Oshkosh Area School District
• Winneconne Community School District

• REMINDER: Call your healthcare provider before going into a clinic if you are experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19. This will allow them to provide guidance, prepare ahead if you need to be seen, and minimize risk to others.

• Check your local resources for the latest schedule and closure updates, some are listed below:
• City of Oshkosh
• City of Neenah
• City of Menasha / Menasha Health Department
• UW-Oshkosh
• Oshkosh Northwestern
• Appleton Post Crescent

• CDC has recommended voluntary home quarantine for U.S. residents who have traveled to countries with widespread sustained transmission of COVID-19.

• At this time, all travelers returning to Wisconsin from domestic or international locations are encouraged to stay home, monitor their health and practice social distancing.

• Due to extensive spread and likely sustained community transmission of COVID-19 in mountain resort communities, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recommends self-quarantine for 14 days for any individuals who have visited Eagle, Summit, Pitkin, and Gunnison counties in the past week, whether or not they are experiencing symptoms. 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after going to the bathroom, blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• If you do not have soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Cough or sneeze into an elbow if no tissue is available. Wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household disinfectant cleaning spray or wipe.
• Click here for additional guidance from the CDC

• Investigations in Wisconsin (county specific case information is not available at this time)
• The latest Situation Report from DHS, published on March 13, 2020
• COVID-19 cases in the United States
• The CDC released actions for protecting communities from COVID-19. It includes mitigation strategies for specific groups including individuals, schools, assisted living facilities, businesses, community organizations and healthcare providers.
• Full library of print resources for schools, businesses, etc. from the CDC
• Winnebago County Health Department's website - resources specific to the general public, healthcare providers, businesses, community organizations, schools and first responders.
• Wisconsin Departmetn of Children and Families
• Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
• Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
• Plan and make decisions now that will protect you and your family during a COVID-19 outbreak. Learn what you can do to prepare your home and family.
• WCHD general public topics - resources for behavioral health care, managing expenses, etc.