Brown County, WI—As we approach Labor Day Weekend, Brown County Public Health, De Pere Health Department and Oneida Nation Health Department would like to remind everyone that we are still seeing significant COVID-19 activity here in Brown County.
This is partly due to activities like large gatherings. Public Health is urging the community to consider how individual actions, like whether to going camping or a Famers’ market or hosting or attending a barbecue without taking proper precautions like physical distancing, wearing masks, and keeping your hands and surfaces cleaned and sanitized, may contribute to increased spread of COVID-19 here in Brown County.
“All activities involve some level of risk,” said Anna Destree, Brown County Public Health Officer. “We need to protect ourselves and each other as much as possible. Just because the gathering you’re attending is outdoors doesn’t mean you’re safe from COVID-19.”
If you do decide to gather, it is important to limit the number of people to what your outdoor space can accommodate. Limit the number of people who touch items that are commonly shared, such as serving spoons, condiments and even the food, especially if it is a pot-luck event. Have someone dedicated to serving individual plates and servings and use disposable dishes and utensils.
“The safest choice would be to stay home,” said Oneida Nation Health Officer Michele Myers. “At the same time, we know this is hard and people want to see their family and friends and participate in the activities that they love.”
Here are the best tips for continuing to be safe:
- Stay home if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are unavailable.
- Wear a mask when in public or when gathering with individuals outside of your living unit or household—regardless of whether the gathering is indoors or outdoors.
- Practice physical distancing (6 feet or more between you and other individuals) as much as possible.
“We can all do our part to protect each other by limiting contact with others and avoiding nonessential trips out in the community as much as possible,” said De Pere Health Officer Debbie Armbruster. “It’s important to think about how our own choices might harm those we come into contact with.”
For more information, resources and guidance please visit: www.stayhealthybc.com