Winneshiek County Public Health Advises Against Easter Travels April 2020

Posted: April 9, 2020

News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 9, 2020

Contact: Nancy Sacquitne RN, BSN 563-382-4662 | nsacquitne@winneshiekhealth.org

Winneshiek County Public Health Advises Against Easter Travels

Easter and spring holidays are a traditional time of family gatherings, celebrations and observances. Like many other events and activities, Winneshiek County Public Health advises residents that these observances should be different this year.

“We know many families gather together over Easter and Passover,” said Winneshiek County Public Health Director Krista Vanden Brink, “But, like school, shopping and most other activities, we’re asking residents to modify their plans in light of COVID-19.”

Remain attentive to staying home if at all possible. Limit doing essential errands to one time per week and send only one (1) family member to do those errands.

Gatherings of family and friends, whether in Winneshiek County, or by travel to other states, is discouraged. When people come together, the chances of  spreading the COVID19 virus grow. Although people with symptoms of the virus (coughing, fever and shortness of breath) obviously should not be around other people, even those who are seemingly well should do the same. “We are learning that some people with coronavirus don’t have any symptoms, and that even those who later develop symptoms can pass the virus to others before showing symptoms. This is why even people who do not feel ill should stay home,” said Vanden Brink.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) is highly recommending wearing a mask in public – these can be homemade cloth masks. It is important to remember to maintain good hand washing whenever at home or out doing errands to keep your hands clean.

Families and friends are encouraged to find alternate ways to observe holidays and to stay connected. Try Skype, Zoom, FaceTime or other electronic means of connecting, and phone calls and letters are especially welcome during this time of social distancing.

As of today, April 9, 2020 there are 5 cases of COVID-19 in Winneshiek County.

Winneshiek County Public Health continues to work closely with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), and other state and local partners to respond to this ongoing pandemic. Currently, three cases have completed isolation and are able to return to work or be out in the community. Follow-up is done with the positive cases by Winneshiek County Public Health.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the IDPH webpage at https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus and follow the
department on Facebook at @IowaDepartmentOfPublicHealth and on Twitter at @IAPublicHealth.
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