Green County Public Health Recommends Staying Home For the Holidays During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Green County Public Health officials are urging community members to avoid gathering in person with people from different households this holiday season. This year, make changes to your family’s holiday traditions to help keep everyone healthy and safe. Please follow these recommendations:
Avoid gathering in person, including: Events and gatherings with people from different households; Eating in at bars or restaurants; Crowded spaces; Shopping at crowded stores.
Make alterations to celebrate more safely: Share a meal with the people in your household; Prepare presents or treats for loved ones and use contactless delivery; Have a virtual dinner with friends or family; Shop online; Watch sports, events and movies at home.
If you decide to gather in person, take precautions: Stay outside; Wear masks; Practice physical distancing; Avoid traveling; Keep gathering sizes small; Consider asking attendees to avoid contact with people outside their household for 14 days before the gathering.
“COVID-19 is spreading rapidly here in Green County, and across the state of Wisconsin,” said RoAnn Warden, Green County Public Health Officer. “We are asking that our community members alter their celebration plans this year for the health of themselves, their loved ones, and neighbors. Widespread holiday gatherings could have very negative effects on our community – employees unable to work, kids not able to attend school, and an increased undue burden on our already overwhelmed health care systems.”
Over the past few months, Green County has been experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases that continues to worsen. In the month of September, Green County saw 291 residents test positive for COVID-19, and in October, 496 residents tested positive. This is an increase of 70%. In Green County, these high levels of COVID-19 cases are resulting in increased COVID-19 related hospitalizations and deaths.
This year, show your holiday spirit by taking actions that will help protect the health of yourself and others. To keep up to date on the COVID-19 situation in Green County please visit our website at https://gcpublichealth.org and follow us on Facebook at Green County Public Health. Our department can also be reached at info@greencountywi.org or (608) 328-9390.