Chippewa Falls, WI – On January 21, 2022, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) issued a memo: Prioritization of Highest Impact Public Health Response Activities. This memo announced a change in DHS’s recommendations to public health departments to prioritize response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Local health departments will no longer be required to follow up with every reported COVID-19 case.

What does this mean locally?

There are very high volumes of positive COVID-19 cases in Chippewa County, which has created a backlog of cases for follow- up by the Health Department. Moving forward, the Health Department will utilize multiple methods to contact positive COVID-19 cases (e.g., phone, email, text message).

How will the Health Department contact community members who test positive for COVID-19?

Depending on age, individuals will be contacted through different communication methods.

• Parents/guardians of individuals ages 5 and under will receive a phone call from the Health Department.

• Parents/guardians of individuals ages 6-17 will receive an email or text from the Health Department with a link to complete a secure electronic health form.

• Individuals ages 18-59 will receive an email or text from the Health Department with a link to complete a secure electronic health form.

• Individuals ages 60 and older will receive a phone call from the Health Department.

The Health Department will attempt one phone call to individuals who receive the secure electronic health form and do not complete it.

Note: The Health Department uses the phone number and email reported by the testing location (i.e., the number and email on file with your healthcare provider will be reported with the lab result to the Health Department).

What if someone needs a letter for work or school?

When completing the secure electronic health form, individuals will have the option to request a letter to provide to their school or employer. Once the completed form is submitted, a letter will be sent to the email provided.

Where can individuals find more information?

If you test positive or come in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19, information on what to do is available at:

• Chippewa County Department of Public Health COVID-19 Response Hub

• Wisconsin Department of Health Services (WI DHS)

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) If you have questions, contact the Chippewa County Department of Public Health by calling 715-726-7900 or emailing [email protected]