DHS: Assume COVID-19 Is In Your Community

Wisconsin now has more than 100 documented cases of people who have tested positive for COVID-19.

Julie Willems Van Dijk, deputy secretary of the state Department of Health Services, said just 10 days ago the state had one case and the person had since recovered.

As of about 3 p.m. Wednesday, there were 106 documented cases, including 47 in Milwaukee County, 23 in Dane County and four in Kenosha County and there is evidence of community spread in each of those places. The 106 figure did not include at least two new cases that were announced just before DHS updated its figures, bringing the total to at least 108.

“The reality is it is probably true in other parts of the state,” Willems Van Dijk said “I would encourage you all to consider your community as one that has COVID-19 circulating.“

Willems Van Dijk spoke during a conference call hosted Wednesday by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce.

In the last 48 hours, the Evers administration has taken several steps to attempt stopping the spread of the new coronavirus, including closing public and private schools indefinitely, limiting groups to 10 people or less, closing all bars and restaurants and limiting child care centers to fewer than 50 children and 10 child care providers.

Willems Van Dijk said she appreciates the decisions the administration has made about social distancing.

“There is no treatment for the disease and no vaccine,” she said. “This is the best effort we have to try to control this in a way that would not overwhelm our health care system.”

Health officials say about 500 new coronavirus tests are being administered daily. But they hope more can be done in the next few weeks.

While several businesses across the state are closing or limiting their hours to prevent the spread of the virus, health officials say having a coworker diagnosed doesn’t necessarily mean the end of operations.

Willems Van Dijk said people still going to work should be monitoring themselves and each other for signs of the new coronavirus every day. And staying home and in isolation until symptoms pass.

“If a person in an office or on a factory floor does test positive for the disease, it does not mean you have to shut the whole operation down,” she said.

Willems Van Dijk said employees who work with someone who does test positive will be monitored and could be isolated for 14 days.