Manitowoc County Health Department announced today (just after 5 p.m.) that the first confirmed case of COVID – 19 has been identified in a Manitowoc County resident. This individual was isolated shortly after symptoms developed. The person has remained under self-quarantine as requested by local, state, and federal recommendations.
“We are in daily contact with the individual to monitor their symptoms and ensure they are receiving support to be able to isolate at home,” said Mary Halada, Health Officer.
If you are experiencing symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath, contact your primary care provider first. Local COVI D-19 hotlines are Aurora Medical Center at 1-866-443-2584 or Holy Family Memorial at 920-320-3333.
The health department has investigated 124 suspect COVI D-19 cases and have received 101 negative test results as of today at 2:00 pm. The Manitowoc County Health Department and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (OHS) responsibilities include:
• Identifying and contacting anyone who has been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19. These people are asked to quarantine themselves for 14 days from their exposure and will be monitored for fever and respiratory symptoms. Close contacts with symptoms are tested for COVID-19.
• Identifying and contacting anyone who has been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19. These people are asked to quarantine themselves for 14 days from their exposure and will be monitored for fever and respiratory symptoms. Close contacts with symptoms are tested for COVID-19.
• Providing guidance to clinicians regarding testing.
• Preparing Wisconsin for community spread of COVID-19.
The Manitowoc County Health Department is keeping track of this outbreak. We are working with our local, state, and federal partners to deal quickly and effectively when people have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been around people have been infected with the coronavirus. The public should follow simple steps to prevent illness and avoid exposure to this virus including:
• Avoid social gatherings with people of all ages (including playdates and sleepovers, parties, large family dinners, visitors in your home, and non-essential workers in your house);
• Avoid social gatherings with people of all ages (including playdates and sleepovers, parties, large family dinners, visitors in your home, and non-essential workers in your house);
• Frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water;
• Covering coughs and sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not hands);
• Regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces;
• Not shaking hands;
• Avoiding touching your face; and
• Staying home
8 a.m. Daily updates on COVID-19 and our community with Manitowoc County Emergency Services Director Travis Waack can be found HERE