COVID-19 Statement by City of Watertown, Watertown Unified School District and Watertown Regional Medical Center
March 12, 2020
Emily McFarland – Mayor, City of Watertown
Carol Quest – Health Officer/Director of Public Health, City of Watertown
Cassandra Schug – Superintended, Watertown Unified School District
Richard Keddington – CEO, Watertown Regional Medical Center
The City of Watertown, Watertown Unified School District and Watertown Regional Medical Center (WRMC) are committed to ensuring your health and safety. We are continuing to monitor the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and are following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure our community is prepared with the appropriate plan to detect, protect and respond should anyone in our community contract or be exposed to this virus.
Importantly, you should feel comfortable that we as a community are prepared. Our Watertown Health Department is staying up-to-date on the latest procedures and WRMC providers and clinical teams are well-trained to manage outbreaks of viruses and infectious diseases, including the coronavirus.
We recommend taking the following measures to protect yourself and others, in accordance with CDC guidelines and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
- 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 available, use a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. If you are coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow. Avoid large events, large gatherings of over 250 people will be cancelled.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
If you think you have been exposed to the coronavirus and develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, please call your healthcare provider immediately. They will help direct your next steps.
If the virus continues to spread in the way that it is, recognize that you might need to find alternate solutions for taking care of your kids and seniors and area employers may need to consider alternative work arrangements.
For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact the Watertown Health Department or visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov.