As we navigate through the ever-changing COVID environment, we will provide information on developments, regulations, statistics, and programs surrounding the outbreak.

Central Wisconsin county numbers

As of April 24, central Wisconsin county numbers were: Adams – positive cases, 4; negative cases, 127; deaths, 1; case fatality percentage, 25. Clark – positive cases, 19; negative cases, 171; deaths, 1; case fatality percentage, 5. Marathon – positive cases, 17; negative cases, 564; deaths, 1; case fatality percentage, 6.  Portage – positive cases, 4; negative cases, 252; deaths, 0; case fatality percentage, 0.  Wood – positive cases, 2; negative cases, 374; deaths, 0; case fatality percentage, 0.

Wisconsin COVID cases according to April 23 DHS numbers. Tom Wood image.

As business experience challenges during the Safer at Home order, the WCP has listed the following tips in their managing brand and messaging through the COVID-19 outbreak guide.

General Procedures

Set up auto response emails for employees who are out of the office or unavailable, but be sure to provide options for reaching someone in case of emergency.

Offer alternate options to obtain your goods or services in case your target audience/customers are directly affected by COVID-19.

Update your website with relevant messaging related to any change in operations.

Update your business hours on your Google Business profile, as well as other social channels.

Continue to communicate with your audience via email and social media as much as you can, offering updates, advice, and uplifting messaging.

Marketing

Only send out an email if: your business has event updates or cancellations; you need to get information out on how to access the services of a company remotely; or your business has high foot traffic where individuals may come in to close contact with each other.

Relay important health and safety information. Be sure to reinforce key messaging that is in alignment with pandemic protocols.

Local media websites are seeing an over 600 percent increase in traffic. Communities are turning to local media for reliable news and information during COVID-19.