Common human coronaviruses usually cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses, like the common cold.  

Rarely, coronaviruses that infect animals have emerged to infect people and can spread between people. This is suspected to have occurred for the virus that causes COVID-19. 

Common symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.  If you feel like you are developing symptoms, call your doctor.  CALL FIRST BEFORE GOING IN.

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If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. In adults, emergency warning signs*:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

• New confusion or inability to arouse

• Bluish lips or face

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• *This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

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These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

• Stay home and call your doctor.

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• Call your healthcare provider and let them know about your symptoms. Tell them that you may have COVID-19. This will help them take care of you and keep other people from getting infected or exposed.

• If you are not sick enough to be hospitalized, you can recover at home.

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• Follow CDC instructions for how to take care of yourself at home.

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• Know when to get emergency help.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

•  about hand washing.

Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care​

Cover coughs and sneezes​

Wear a facemask if you are sick​

Clean and disinfect

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick

• Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.  People at higher risk of severe illness include older adults and people with underlying medical conditions (heart disease, diabetes, lung disease).

You can stay updated on what is happening in our state by visiting the Wisconsin Department of Health website.  Here you will find helpful information and current numbers of positive test results by county.