Officials Issue Coronavirus Emergency Alert For Appleton, Surrounding Area

From the City of Appleton:

October 2, 2020

Very high levels of COVID-19 cases are resulting in increased COVID-19 related hospitalizations and deaths. Public health officers are issuing a Public Health Emergency COVID-19 Alert. Due to escalation in cases, public health is not able to notify positive cases and their close contacts in a timely manner. This severely limits efforts to contain the virus. Hospitals are enacting emergency plans. Public health implores everyone to take actions to stop uncontrolled community spread.

Take Action Now - Stop the Spread
• Physically distance at least 6 feet from people with whom you do not live.
• Wear a cloth face mask, unless unable to wear one for medical reasons.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60%
alcohol.
• Indoors, do not gather with people outside of your household.
• Outdoors, limit gatherings to 10 people or fewer, physically distance and wear face coverings.
• Self-monitor symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days after return from travel.
• If symptomatic, call your health care provider, get a test, and stay home while awaiting
results.
• Cooperate with public health officials if you have tested positive or are a close contact.

During this very high rate of transmission of COVID-19, we encourage the following strategies as
found in the Wisconsin Department of Health Services COVID-19 Data and Mitigation Strategies to Aid
Local Communities.

Businesses and community organizations use WEDC Guidelines.
Community Gatherings: Do not hold indoor gatherings. Limit outdoor gatherings to 10 people or
fewer; physically distance and wear face coverings.

Restaurants, Bars: Offer take-out, curbside pick-up or delivery only. Close indoor bars.

Salons, Spas, Gyms: Provide minimum operations only.

Offices, Workplaces: Keep only essential workforce on-site; symptom monitor; use precautions.
Grocery Stores, Pharmacies: Remain open, with no dine in, self-service or customer dispensing.
Retail: Use mail delivery and curbside pick-up options. Limit the number of patrons who enter.

Hotels, Lodging: Use strict sanitation protocols.

Concerts, Festivals, Sporting Events: Do not hold these events at this time.

For more information on cases in your area and COVID-19 recommendations, visit your local health
department’s website.
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References:
Wisconsin Department of Health Services, COVID-19 Activity Level by Region or County. 2020
Retrieved on September 30, 2020 from: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/local.htm

Wisconsin Department of Health Services, COVID-19 Data and Mitigation Strategies to Aid Local
Communities, 2020. Retrieved on September 30, 2020 from: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/news/releases/093020.htm

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This press release was produced by the City of Appleton. The views expressed here are the author’s own.