COVID-19 Information and Resources
For General COVID-19 Specific Questions Contact 2-1-1:
- Call: 2-1-1 or if you have an out of state number call 1-877-947-2211
For General COVID-19 Specific Questions Contact the Health Department:
- Call: 715-485-9258 or
- Email: PHInfo@co.polk.wi.us
For Business COVID-19 Specific Questions Contact:
- Call: 715-485-9250 or
- Email: COVID19Business@co.polk.wi.us
New Data Dashboard:
Polk County is unveiling a replacement to the traditional 2pm daily report. This modern dashboard will provide real-time information, adapt over time, and be readily available. Be sure to bookmark this new link to view Polk County related Covid-19 data at your convenience: https://arcg.is/1bmeOm
Reporting second COVID-19 related death in Polk County. Read the full Press Release below:
REPORTING SECOND COVID-19 DEATH - final[...]
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Overview:
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How do I protect myself and other from getting COVID-19?
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. To help prevent the spread of Coronavirus: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
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What is COVID-19?
A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
How does COVID-19 Spread?
The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person to person, mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
What are the signs and symptoms of COVID-19?
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Or at least two of these symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
Testing:
Where can I get a COIVD Test?
All three of our local hospitals (Amery Hosptial and Clinic, Osceola Medical Center and St. Croix Falls Regional Medical Center) are doing COVID tests. Make sure to call the hospital before you arrive. The hospital will ask you some screening questions and based on thier availbilty of tests will give you further instructions and directions.
What to do after being tested for COVID-[...]
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Highlights:
Gov. Evers Directs DNR to Reopen Several State Parks and Forests with Special Conditions.
The DNR will reopen 34 state parks and forests on May 1, 2020 under special conditions to help minimize overcrowding, allow for social distancing requirements, and to promote a safe and enjoyable experience for staff and visitors.
- The Polk County parks and trails will remain open, this includes the State trails; Gandy Dancer, Cattail, and the Stower Seven Lakes
Read the Full Press Release Here
Gov. Evers Announces Expanded Opportunities for Certain Nonessential Businesses.
Emergency Order #34, signed by Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm, allows nonessential businesses to do curbside drop-off of goods and animals. This will allow businesses like dog groomers, small engine repair shops, upholstery businesses, and others to safely open. Today's order also allows outdoor recreational rentals, such as boats, golf carts, kayaks, ATVs, and other similar recreational vehicles. Additionally, automatic or self-service car washes would be able to operate. All of these businesses must operate free of contact with customers by providing payment options online or over the phone, enact proper disinfecting practices, and operations must be able to be performed by one staff member.
Assistance During COVID-19 Pandemic:
Local AA Virtual Meetings:
District 14 Covid-19 Zoom and Telephone [...]
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Are you Unemployed because of COVID-19? Click HERE to apply for unemployment
For more information and frequently asked questions about unemployment benefits click HERE
Economic Support Information
The Polk County Economic Development Corporation (PCEDC) is working diligently along with local business leaders and governmental officials to be able to offer economic support resources during these difficult times. The contacts in the document below have resources to assist both individuals and business owners.
School Free Meals:
Amery School District: https://www.amerysd.k12.wi.us/district/freemealsignup.cfm
Clayton School District: https://www.claytonsd.k12.wi.us/district/covid-19-information.cfm
Clear Lake School District: https://www.clwarriors.org/
Frederic School District: https://www.fredericsd.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1563357&type=d&pREC_ID=1852767
Osceola School District: https://www.osceola.k12.wi.us/staff/coronavirus---covid19-updates.cfm
St. Croix Falls School District: https://www.scf.k12.wi.us/district/covid19.cfm
Unity School District: https://www.unity.k12.wi.us/o/unity-school-district/page/covid-19--70
Healthcare and Economic Resources:
Healthcare Coverage Options - ABC for Ru[...]
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Extras - ABC for Rural Health - 5.11.202[...]
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Other Considerations - ABC for Rural Hea[...]
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PCEDC Virus Support Resources_3_23.pdf
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Guidance:
Guidance for What Safety Precautions Businesses Should Take Upon Reopening:
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Restaurant, Bar, Salon, Tattoo Parlor? Find the latest information, recommendations, and guidance on the Environmental Health Page
The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) has published Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs for homeowners, renters, housing providers in response to COVID-19 Find it Here
Stay up to date on the latest information from Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP): Click HERE to visit DATCP
Resources include:
- Operating Lodging Establishments Following Emergency Order No. 12
- Guidance for Campgrounds to Slow the Spread of COVID-19
- Guidance for Grocery, Retail Food Operations Following the 'Safer at Home' Order
- And much more
School Guidance is outlined in Emergency Order #28
Public and private K-12 schools shall remain closed for pupil instruction and extracurricular activities for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. Schools may continue to facilitate distance learning or virtual learning. Schools may continue to be used for Essential Government Functions and food distribution.
- Statement from State Superintendent Carolyn Stanford Taylor: “The closure of school buildings does not mean the end of services to children. The Department of Public Instruction remains committed to supporting schools and districts as they continue to care for their students, advance continuity of learning, provide meals for students, plan for the remainder of the year, and begin to plan for summer school opportunities and next fall due to COVID-19.”
Child Care Guidance is Outlined in Emergency Order #6, with amendments made in Emergency Order #28
Child care settings shall prioritize care for families as follows:
- Tier 1: employees, contractors, and other support staff working in health care;
- Tier 2: employees, contractors, and other staff in vital areas including but not limited to military; long term care; residential care; pharmacies; child care; child welfare; government operations; public safety and critical infrastructure such as sanitation, transportation, utilities, telecommunications; grocery and food services; supply chain operations; and other sectors as determined by the Secretary of the Department of Children and Families.
Other Guidance Documents:
COVID-19-Outdoor-Recreation-Guidelines.p[...]
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Options for Faith Based Organizations.pd[...]
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Press Releases:
Polk County:
REPORTING SECOND COVID-19 DEATH - final[...]
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PolK County 1st Death.pdf
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PR 4-30-2020.pdf
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3.16.2020.Polk County Emergency Declarat[...]
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Joint Press Statement.pdf
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Wisconsin/Gov. Evers:
EM 36 Press Release.pdf
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4-27-2020: Gov. Evers Announces Expanded Opportunities for Certain Nonessential Businesses: Read Press Release Here
4-16-2020: Gov. Evers Extends Safer at Home Order through May 26th: Read Press Release Here.
Gov. Evers Emergency Orders:
EMO36-SAHDialTurn2.pdf
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Safer At Home Extended Order 28.pdf
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