BROWN COUNTY — Brown County Public health officials are urging the community to celebrate the holiday season safely, and remind everyone that there is still uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 in Brown County.
In a press release, officials stressed that gatherings continue to be a significant contributor of the spread in the community. They say they are starting to see positive cases come in as a result of Halloween gatherings and want to prevent this from happening with the upcoming holidays. Public Health is urging everyone to make alternative plans this Thanksgiving. Officials say even small gatherings have the potential for significant spread of COVID-19.
“We know giving up our holiday traditions will be tough,” said Brown County Public Health Officer and Administrator Anna Destree. “The actions our community takes now will ensure that we’ll be able to celebrate together once this pandemic is over. I am urging people to approach their holiday celebrations differently this year, so we can protect our loved ones and save lives.”
They say the safest choice will be not to gather or travel anywhere over the Thanksgiving holiday. By making alternative plans to align with public health guidelines, people can still celebrate while reducing the risk of getting COVID-19. This doesn’t mean anyone needs to cancel their plans or not celebrate at all. Some alternative holiday recommendations include:
- Sharing meals with people who live in your household.
- Preparing meals or treats and delivering to loved ones in a way that avoids contact.
- Having virtual gatherings with friends and family.
- Shopping online or ordering delivery.
- Watching sports, events, or parades from home.
Brown County Public Health officials say they know that these are tough times for everyone and say we all can play a part in slowing the spread and protecting each other. They also encourage everyone to monitor their emotional and mental well-being. For resources on coping and ways to manage stress, please visit: Resilient Wisconsin.
Brown County Public Health has published best practices for celebrating the upcoming holidays that enable our community to honor their traditions while doing their part to protect those most vulnerable.
You can find more information and resources at www.stayhealthybc.com.
