ST. CROIX COUNTY HEALTH ADVISORY
(Updated 6/22/2020) 

St. Croix County Public Health has issued the following health advisory with recommendations to keep our communities safe. These recommendations will help minimize the spread of COVID-19 in St. Croix County. We need your help to reduce disease transmission and keep us all safe.

Public Gatherings

Public gatherings are defined as planned events in public spaces that include events such as concerts, festivals, sporting events, and conferences. The following recommendations will help protect against unnecessary exposure to COVID-19 during public gatherings that are not addressed in the Businesses, Schools, Organizations and Faith Community sections below. These recommendations are based on local data, the increased risk of transmission, and the potential strain on community health care and Public Health resources.

  • Indoor gatherings should have no more than 10 people.
  • Outdoor gatherings should have no more than 50 people.
  • Regardless of the size of the event:
  • Attendees should maintain a six-foot distance from people who do not live in their household.
  • Attendees should be encouraged to wear masks and stay home if sick.
  • Assigned or fixed seating is strongly encouraged.
  • Organizers are encouraged to maintain a list of attendees with addresses, e-mail addresses, phone numbers, and county of residence.
  • Health screening for staff and volunteers is recommended.

Individuals, Families, and Community

The following recommendations will help individuals, families, and our community to protect against exposure to COVID-19.

  • Stay at home when you are sick.
  • Stay at least six feet from people who do not live in your household.
  • Minimize your travel. For more information about travel recommendations, read the Consideration for Travelers section on the CDC website.
  • Wear a cloth face covering when you are in public if you are medically able.
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your face.
  • Cooperate with St. Croix County Public Health during COVID-19 disease investigations and contact tracing.

Businesses, Schools, and Organizations 

We recommend that businesses, schools, and organizations implement the following linked guidance from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), and Department of Public Instruction (DPI):

Note: Many of these resources are available in multiple languages at WEDC.

Faith Communities 

The following recommendations will help communities of faith protect their staff, volunteers, and congregation against exposure to COVID-19. For more information read the Guidance for Communities of Faith section on the CDC website.

  • Post signage at the entrances to your buildings to inform your congregation about changes to your policies and to promote the use of protective measures.
  • Encourage those who are sick or who have had close contact with a person with COVID-19 to stay home.
  • Provide training and regular updates to staff and volunteers on how to protect themselves and others through good personal hygiene and sanitation.
  • Offer alternative options for all individuals that have a higher risk of contracting a severe illness to limit their risk of being exposed to Covid-19.
    • Members at higher risk can include older adults and people of all ages with certain underlying medical conditions. For example; Individuals with serious underlying health conditions, including high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, and those whose immune system is compromised such as by chemotherapy for cancer and other conditions requiring such therapy.
  • Stay at least six feet from people who do not live in your household.
  • Increase standards of facility cleaning and disinfection. Adopt protocols to clean and disinfect in the event of a positive COVID-19 case.
  • Take steps to minimize community sharing of worship materials and other items.
  • Consider limiting physical contact among members of the faith community (shaking hands, hugging, etc.).
  • Cooperate with St. Croix County Public Health during COVID-19 disease investigations and contact tracing.