COVID-19 is the disease caused by a virus strain that began spreading in people in December 2019.

Health experts are concerned because little is known about this new respiratory virus, and it can cause severe illness and pneumonia in some people.

• The COVID-19 virus is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.
• The main way COVID-19 is spread to others is when an infected person coughs or sneezes. This is similar to how influenza is spread. The virus is found in droplets from the throat and nose. When someone coughs or sneezes, other people near them can breathe in those droplets. The virus can also spread when someone touches an object with the virus on it. If that person touches their mouth, face, or eyes the virus can make them sick.
• There is much more to learn about the spread, severity, and other features of this virus. This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available.

To monitor COVID-19 in Wisconsin, please visit: Outbreaks in Wisconsin.

Primary COVID-19 Resources

• CDC COVID-19 Homepage
• Wisconsin Department of Health Services

GUIDANCE TO PREVENT SPREAD IN THE COMMUNITY

TRAVEL  

Information about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) for travelers and travel related industries | Website

BUSINESSES

Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) | Website 

‘Get Your Workplace Ready for Pandemic Flu’ guidance | Website  

SCHOOLS AND CHILD CARE PROGRAMS   

Interim Guidance for Administrators of US Childcare Programs and K-12 Schools to Plan, Prepare, and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) | Website

PREGNANT WOMEN AND CHILDREN

Information on COVID-19 and Pregnant Women and Children | Website 

LONG TERM CARE FACILITIES

Strategies to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 in Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCF) | Website

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

Website

MASS GATHERINGS OR LARGE COMMUNITY EVENTS

Interim Guidance: Get Your Mass Gatherings or Large Community Events Ready for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) | Website