Wood County Master Gardeners

The Spring Seminar scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2020 at UWSP Marshfield has been cancelled due to concern about containment of coronovirus infection.

Please review information from the Wood County Health Department and other sources about how to protect yourself and your family.

Coronavirus

Posted 3/12/2020 by krauter-egge@co.wood.wi.us

There is a novel type of coronavirus (COVID-19) that was first found in China. It has spread to over 100 countries, and the first case was confirmed in the US in Washington on January 21, 2020. There are over a hundred thousand cases worldwide and thousands of deaths. The World Health Organization declared it a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Governor Evers declared this a Public Health Emergency in Wisconsin on March 12, 2020.

Officials from the Wood County Health Department, along with local health care systems, schools, emergency medical services, and other partners, have been in contact to prepare for continued response to the growing COVID-19 pandemic. 

Currently a vaccine or drug is not available for COVID-19. Community-based interventions such as school dismissals, event cancellations, social distancing, and creating employee plans to work remotely can help slow the spread of COVID-19. Schools, employers, and others should be planning for these potential interventions. Department of Health Services website offers guidance for schools & universities, employers, community events/mass gatherings, and for providers (DHS website). 

Individuals should practice everyday prevention measures like: 

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Carry and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if hand washing is not an option.
• Do not touch your face (eyes, mouth, nose) ever.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Do not share eating utensils, water bottles, beverage containers or other personal items.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Avoid close contact (6 feet or less) with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• If you develop a cough, fever, or shortness of breath or other respiratory symptoms after traveling, stay home and contact your healthcare provider for instructions before going to a clinic.

Visit the CDC website for information about:

• What coronavirus is 
• The national and global picture 
• Traveling