Coronavirus is here and it’s spreading

We planned for this moment, but it’s still difficult. From the beginning of our response, months ago, our staff have relentlessly strategized, coordinated, and used all of our best public health tools to stem the tide of COVID-19’s aggressive and destructive spread.

You got an insiders peek at what it looks like to be in the “containment” phase of our response. But unfortunately, we have moved beyond that. We have reached a critical turning point where we are no longer able to contain COVID-19 with contact tracing alone. We are now focused on mitigation.

There are over 200 known cases today, but it’s clear that many more people in Dane County have coronavirus. We should all assume that if we are out interacting with other people in any way, we are exposed, could have the virus, and could be spreading the disease.

That is why we are asking that everyone take seriously the orders to stay home. This is our best tool for now, and although it seems simple, the consequences of your actions could be life and death. By staying home and away from other people, you protect those who are most vulnerable and those who work to provide our essential needs like healthcare, food, and infrastructure.

We do not have a vaccine or a cure for the virus. But we do know how it spreads and how to reduce the spread that’s already happening. We know that people spread it to one another, sometimes without realizing it. We know that if we physically distance ourselves from other people, we can keep more people from getting sick and ending up in the hospital.

This is hard, we know, and it may get harder. Everyone has a role, and we need to stand together to protect ourselves and our community as much as we can. Please,

• Stay home as much as possible
• Monitor your symptoms
• Isolate yourself if you’re sick

We aren’t alone in asking this. Organizations around the country, including ours, have been asking you to practice social distancing to help slow the spread of COVID-19. What that means, in practice, is being physically distant. The fact is, we all need each other now more than ever. It’s important to our mental health that, while we are physically distancing ourselves, we maintain the social connections that help us through tough times like these.

Please continue to visit our website at www.publichealthmdc.com/coronavirus, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at publichealthmdc.

We are here for you and here with you throughout this fight.