Oconto County records first coronavirus case

Wisconsin health officials have confirmed the first case of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Oconto County. Health officials are investigating how the person may have become infected, and will be contacting individuals who may have had close contact with the patient.

To protect patient privacy and ensure compliance with federal HIPAA laws, additional details about the patient cannot be released, said Deb Konitzer, county health officer.

“We are in daily contact with this individual to monitor their symptoms and ensure they are receiving support to be able to isolate at home,” Konitzer said. “The Oconto County Health Department is ready to deal with this situation and will continue to work with Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and our local partners to make sure our community remains safe and healthy.

“The best thing people can do is practice everyday good health habits – cover your coughs and sneezes by coughing into your upper sleeve, wash your hands often, and stay home if you’re sick,” she said. “Everyone should be following the Safer at Home order provided by Governor Evers which limits all non-essential travel and prohibits social gatherings. These efforts can help to slow the spread of the virus.”