COVID-19 - What You Need to Know

Coronavirus or COVID-19 is an infection caused by a specific virus called SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 is a communicable, respiratory disease that can cause severe illness in some people. 

We continue to work closely with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC),  Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), local public health officials, and the Wisconsin Hospital Association WHA) to ensure the safety of our staff, patients and visitors.

To see up-to-date COVID-19 data in Wisconsin, please visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website.

HOW IT SPREADS

COVID-19 is easily spread from person to person through respiratory droplets and aerosol particles released by people with COVID-19 during coughing, sneezing, singing, talking, and breathing.

Learn More About How It Spreads

 

Symptoms

Symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, fatigue, trouble breathing, muscle aches) usually start a few days after a person is infected with the virus. But in some people, it can take even longer for symptoms to appear.

Learn More About COVID-19 Symptoms 


LOWER Your Risk of Illness

The CDC asks that community members practice the following:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.
  • Avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places – elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc.
  • Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.
  • Clean and disinfect your home. Clean frequently touched surfaces (e.g. tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks & cell phones)
  • Avoid crowds. Your risk of exposure to respiratory viruses like COVID-19 may increase in crowded, closed-in settings if there are people in the crowd who are sick.

Learn More About How To Prevent COVID-19


If You HAVE COVID-19

If you have had a positive COVID-19 test OR suspect you have COVID-19, follow the following CDC guidelines:

  • Stay home: If you have COVID-19, plan to isolate yourself at home during your illness. You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care.
  • Avoid public areas: Do not go to work, school, or other public areas.
  • Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
  • Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, multiple times a day. Especially before and after using the bathroom, before and after eating, and before and after going into public spaces. 
  • Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
  • If you are sick, you should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) or pets and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.
  • If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider prior and tell them of your symptoms. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take proper precautions.
  • Call your primary care provider. If you have tested positive for COVID-19, inform your primary care provider
  • Notify your close contacts. Notify anyone you've had close contact with (been within 6 feet of one another) to help limit the spread in your community.

Who should I notify and how do I tell them?