By the Marathon County Health Department

In the past week, we have seen a substantial increase in the daily number of COVID cases in Marathon County and across the state of Wisconsin. Marathon County Health Department has exceeded its capacity to contact persons in a timely manner.

“We are doing our best to keep up but cases are coming in faster than we can respond” stated Judy Burrows, public information officer. “We need people to stay home if they are sick or have been exposed to someone with COVID.”

Persons who have been told they are COVID positive by their health care provider need to isolate at home, separate themselves from family members to protect them, and not go to public places. Those that have been notified they are a possible contact are also advised to stay home and watch for symptoms, such as fever, cough or shortness of breath.

Staying home will help slow the spread to the community, keep our kids safe, schools our businesses open, and our residents working. Recently, persons with COVID-19 are reporting being with many more people and going to more social events than before. This is contributing to the increased spread in our community.

For more information, visit www.co.marathon.wi.us/Departments/HealthDepartment.