NCHC Employee/Public Notice Regarding COVID-19 Risk

Community Updates

March 6, 2020

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Local Exposure Risk Reported in Wausau Area

On March 6, 2020, North Central Health Care (NCHC) was alerted to a situation developing in the community concerning potential Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) exposure at Liberty Mutual in Wausau. The employee reportedly is exhibiting illness symptoms after a recent trip outside the U.S. A positive COVID-19 test has not been confirmed in the individual at the time of this notification. Liberty Mutual employees have been given the option to voluntarily work from home the remainder of the month. The county and state departments of health remain the official authorities on this situation and will offer public instructions for action and updates on the status.

NCHC is committed to keeping you updated on the local COVID-19 risk and will provide direction to staff, patients and families with additional instruction as needed. NCHC has activated a team that is focused on additional infection prevention measures and precautions to protect patients, clients, residents and employees at all our locations.

We ask that all individuals at any NCHC locations who may be experiencing any symptoms of illness, including a cough, runny nose, fever, body aches, or any nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, to avoid our facilities to prevent the spread of infection. Employees who have any symptoms of illness are to continue to notify Employee Health and/or your program supervisor and follow program call-in procedures to report your symptoms.

NCHC will continue to follow infection prevention procedures already in place for patients in our care, based on guidelines handed down by the CDC at the federal level.

At this time, all employees will continue to practice good prevention techniques, including:

  • Thoroughly 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

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe

  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and follow up with hand washing

  • Stay home when you are sick

Because this is a public health emergency, we emphasize that the designated authorities for information on this situation are the local county and state health departments. Please direct any further questions to those agencies. As needed, North Central Health Care will provide instructions for patients, visitors and employees as further action is required at any of our NCHC facilities.

If you have a concern about a loved one or patient, client or resident within our care, please contact the program directly.

For additional information, please visit the following websites:
https://www.co.marathon.wi.us/…/HealthDepa…/Coronavirus.aspx
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/disease/covid-19.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html