City of Racine – The City of Racine and surrounding areas are experiencing “Very High Levels” of COVID-19 and significant community spread.
Over the last seven day, 480 positive cases of COVID-19 have been identified within the City of Racine at a 37% positivity rate. A rapid increase in the number of daily new cases in past several weeks have surpassed the numbers of positives seen earlier this year when the pandemic was first realized. Due to the escalation in positive cases, and to effectively identify and control the spread of the virus, case investigation and contact tracing efforts have become increasingly strained and difficult.
With the escalation in COVID positive cases, the City of Racine Public Health Department cannot consistently notify positive cases and their close contacts in a timely manner which severely limits efforts to contain the virus and limit community spread. Therefore, effective Friday, November 06, 2020 notification of positive cases will be completed in the following order:
- Age 65 and older
- Children who are 18 years old and younger
- Individuals residing in congregate living environments
- All other individuals will be contacted as capacity allows
Dottie-Kay Bowersox, City of Racine Public Health Administrator stated, “This is a significant disappointment, in that individuals are not taking the spread of this virus seriously and following established guidelines from the WHO/CDC/DHS/ and this Department. This includes staying at home if ill, wearing a facial mask appropriately including covering of both nose and mouth, and physical/social distancing of six feet or greater. I have stated on several occasions the continued increase in the number of positives throughout the community would eventually compromise this Departments ability to effectively notify and interact. I once again remind/request individuals to protect themselves and those individuals they are involved. It is a personal choice to ignore the guidelines and spread this virus throughout the community compromising the health of others and contributing to the economic devastation of this pandemic. Personal responsibility is the only way to slow the spread of this virus which is causing havoc with our finite systems.”
If You Test Positive:
- Stay home and isolate for a minimum of 10 days after symptom onset
- If you did not have symptoms and were tested, remain isolated for 10 days from the date of testing
- You can return to work or school on day 11 if free of fever and improvement in other symptoms for 24 hours
- Notify your employer or school if you are positive
- Notify your close contacts and ask them to quarantine for 14 days from the last day of contact with you
Employers, What You Need To Know:
- Due to the increase in cases, employers of positive cases may not be notified
- Verification of return to work will not be provided
- Discuss the return to work date with your employee. For detailed instructions: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p02627.pdf
