Self-Quarantine Recommended for Some Travelers by State Health Agency
In order to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), the Wisconsin Department of Health Services is recommending all travelers from places with level 3 travel health notices for COVID-19 follow a limited self-quarantine for 14 days. Level 3 travel health notice means a country has widespread, ongoing transmission of COVID-19.
Currently those countries include China, Iran, South Korea, and Italy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains the list of countries with travel health notices on their website.
“Participating in a self-quarantine is one way travelers can help take responsibility for health in our community,” says Janel Heinrich, Director of Public Health Madison & Dane County. “By staying home and monitoring for symptoms, these travelers can help us prevent the spread of coronavirus in our communities.”
Limited self-quarantine includes:
- Staying home
- Not using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis
- Postponing travel and appointments
- Taking your temperature twice a day
- Watching for symptoms like fever, cough, and difficulty breathing
At this time, travelers from countries with level 2 travel health notices do not need to self-quarantine, but the Wisconsin Department of Health Services does recommend these travelers monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 and follow CDC instructions if they develop these symptoms.
Public Health Madison & Dane County will continue to receive information about travelers arriving in Dane County from China. We will not be receiving information from federal authorities about travelers from other countries with level 2 or 3 travel health notices.
Employers and schools should accommodate travelers who are self-quarantining by allowing them to work from home or complete school work at home, as possible. We strongly recommend employers offer paid leave so workers do not have to decide between supporting community health and a paycheck.
Public Health reminds everyone that there are steps we should all take to help stay healthy. These include getting a flu vaccine, washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, staying home when sick, and coughing or sneezing into a tissue.
Find more information and resources on coronavirus on our website, publichealthmdc.com/coronavirus. Follow us on social media (@publichealthmdc on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) for updates.
Links
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Coronavirus
- Public Health Madison & Dane County - Coronavirus
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Coronavirus
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