As we navigate through the ever-changing COVID environment, we will provide information on developments, regulations, statistics, and programs surrounding the outbreak.

Central Wisconsin county numbers

As of May 14, central Wisconsin county numbers were: Adams – positive cases, 4; negative cases, 343; deaths, 1; case fatality percentage, 25. Clark – positive cases, 25; negative cases, 411; deaths, 4; case fatality percentage, 16. Marathon – positive cases, 29; negative cases, 1,335; deaths, 1; case fatality percentage, 3.  Portage – positive cases, 7; negative cases, 762; deaths, 0; case fatality percentage, 0.  Wood – positive cases, 5; negative cases, 1,094; deaths, 0; case fatality percentage, 0.

Tom Wood image.

Tom Wood image.

Tips for businesses reopening

Plan to protect employees

Have conversations with employees if they express concerns. Some people may be at higher risk of severe illness. This includes older adults and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions.

By using strategies that prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace, you will protect all employees, including those at higher risk.

These strategies include: implement telework and other social distancing practices, requiring employees to stay home when sick, promoting handwashing, providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and supplies for cleaning and disinfecting workspaces.

In workplaces where it’s not possible to eliminate face-to-face contact, consider assigning higher-risk employees work tasks that allow them to maintain a six-foot distance from others.

Inform and educate workers and customers

Place posters at the entrance to your workplace and where employees and customers are likely to see them.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has print resources available.

Post signage on the front door letting customers know about changes to your policies and instruct them to stay away if they are experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms.

Provide regular updates to let employees know what they can expect.

Develop training materials to share with employees covering topics, such as: social distancing measures that will be in place, how to protect yourself and others through hygiene and sanitation, and the importance of not going to work or public places if you are feeling ill

Information provided by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.