Q & A
Q: I have been exposed to COVID-19, and my work is making me stay home for 14 days. Can't I just get a test at my doctor and, if it's negative, go back to work?
A: No. According to the CDC, the incubation period (the time from being exposed to beginning symptoms) for COVID-19 is thought to extend to 14 days, with a median time of 4-5 days from exposure to symptoms onset. A negative test result before 14 days post-exposure only means that you did not have COVID-19 at the time of testing. So even if you have a negative test on day 7, you still must finish out the 14 days quarantine.
Q: My college age child is living in an apartment for the summer in the town where she goes to college. She is very healthy otherwise, but tested positive for COVID-19. Should I insist she come home?
A: W
e do not recommend young adults leave summer housing in their college area to come home u
nless your child has an underlying medical condition that could be complicated by COVID-19; needs healthcare and must be within network to receive care; or has a lot of roommates and can't self-isolate at their college residence but could isolate at their parents and expose less people. As long as they can safely distance themselves from others in their current living situation, they should stay in that local community to not further spread the virus.
Q: I keep hearing on the news that the positive COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin are going down, why is the Winnebago County Health Department still suggesting social distancing, mask wearing and avoiding assembling in groups over 10?
A: Each community within Wisconsin is at a different point in spread of the virus. Currently, Winnebago County is seeing an increase in cases--especially in those aged 20-29 who report attending social events over Memorial Day, birthday parties and congregating in local taverns. These activities can spread the virus very easily.
Q: Why is it a big deal if 20-29 year olds are coming down with COVID-19? Aren't they likely to have minimal symptoms, and it affects them like a cold or the flu? So what?
A: Most healthy 20-29 year olds will not have severe cases of COVID-19. Unfortunately, this age demographic tends to have summer employment in areas that can spread the virus such as nursing homes, day cares, day camps, bars and restaurants. Exposing the medically fragile to the virus or an entire shift of coworkers can have negative consequences on people other than that young adult. A bar or restaurant may also need to close due to a shortage of staff or an elderly person could have dire outcomes if exposed to COVID-19.
Q: Can antibody testing be used to inform workplace decisions, such as who can safely return to work or who does or does not need to use personal protective equipment?
A: Antibody testing should not be used to inform workplace decisions, including return-to-work or personal protective equipment decisions. Antibody testing can only determine whether antibodies are present in an individual’s blood. We don’t know yet whether having antibodies means that a person is immune to or protected from future COVID-19 infection. Additional FAQ about antibody testing can be found on the
DHS COVID-19 Testing page
Q: Is it safe to have a cookout?
A: Have a barbecue or cookout with the people you live with. If you do decide to have a barbecue, limit the gathering to less than ten people, keep 6 feet apart, wear a facial covering when possible, and wash your hands before and after using shared surfaces. (Source:
DHS
)
Q: What about potlucks?
A: Even if the potluck is outside, this is a high-risk activity because sharing commonly touched surfaces with other people makes it easier to spread the virus. Suggest everyone brings their own dishes for themselves or order a separate dish for each person from a local restaurant. (Source:
DHS
)
