Early Wednesday afternoon, Door County Public Health issued new guidance to stem what the state classifies as "very high" COVID-19 activity levels locally. The press release comes less than a day before Governor Tony Evers' Emergency Order #3 takes effect, limiting the indoor gathering capacity. The memo mentions that Door County Medical Center has enacted surge preparedness as healthcare facilities in nearby Brown County report being overwhelmed by their current caseload. County Administrator Ken Pabich says that as more is learned about the disease, recommendations change. 

Pabich asks residents and businesses to take the recommendations seriously to help control the spread of COVID-19 in the county.

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Public Health Emergency COVID-19 Alert Very High COVID-19 Activity Levels – Act to Stop the Spread

The Covid-19 case activity is very high as defined by Wisconsin State Department of Health Services (WDHS). There is significant uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 in our community. In September, Door County had 271 new confirmed cases. Our local hospital has enacted their surge plan. Our healthcare partners in Brown County are reporting being overwhelmed. Door County Public Health implores everyone to take immediate actions to stop this uncontrolled community spread.

With COVID-19, the health and safety of our community as a whole depends on individual decisions and actions. We should all continue to follow these simple steps:

• Stay at least 6 feet away from other people when you leave your home

• Wear a cloth face mask in public setting, unless unable to wear one for medical reasons.

• Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. • Stay at home as much as possible.

• If you are experiencing symptoms of Covid-19, limit interactions with others, consult your health care provider or contact the COVID-19 Screening Hotline at 920-746-3700 or your health care provider, get tested, and stay home while awaiting results.

• Cooperate with public health officials if you have tested positive or are a close contact.

Along with following the new Emergency Order #3 issued by the Governor, Public Health is recommending new mitigation strategies that are strongly encouraged to stop the spread. These include:

• Avoid indoor gatherings outside of household.

• Limit outdoor gatherings to 10 people or fewer, with physical distancing and face coverings.

• Avoid ANY gatherings, including family events, where physical distancing and masking are not strictly being practiced.

• Postpose or cancel all non-essential activities, events, gatherings and travel.

• Offices and other workplaces consider allowing only essential workforce on-site with active monitoring of symptoms, physical distancing, and face coverings when feasible.

 • Business and community organizations should continue to monitor and adjust operations outlined by the WEDC Guidelines.

Please note that these recommendations do not apply to our local schools. Public Health continues to work with our local school districts to provide the best practices to ensure a safe environment for the students, facility and staff.