Mayor Zachary Vruwink Declares State of Emergency to Combat Spread of COVID-19

For Immediate Release---Wisconsin Rapids, WI: March 16, 2020

City of Wisconsin Rapids Mayor Zachary Vruwink has declared a state of emergency in response to the
COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. The declaration follows Governor Evers’ emergency declaration and is
aimed at positioning the City of Wisconsin Rapids to be eligible to receive state and federal resources to help
mitigate the impacts of coronavirus.

“Today’s declaration is to help inform the public and help prevent the spread of coronavirus in our
community. This is about being mindful of our behavior but not inciting panic,” said Mayor Zachary Vruwink.
“We want residents to remain calm and take steps to ensure the safety of themselves and their families. I
encourage residents identify a household plan of action.”

City Departments have been coordinating internally and with other community institutions to develop plans
to reduce the spread of Covid-19 as well as make sure residents receive the best possible treatment.
In response to the outbreak the City recommends the following:

• Avoid traveling to areas of the country or state with confirmed cases of infection or that are known to
be high transmission areas
• Cancel events or gatherings of more than 50 people, take extra precautions or consider canceling
smaller events, and minimize your time public or commercial spaces with large amounts of people
• Continue to wash and sanitize your hands frequently, as well as clean common surfaces regularly
• Don’t shake hands, don’t touch your face, cover your cough
• Enact social distancing as much as possible when gathered with friends or in the work place – keeping
a distance of 6 feet between you and others
• If you get sick, don’t go to work, and call your medical provider before going in for treatment
• Gather a 2 week supply of food and needed prescriptions or medicine in case you need to suddenly
self-quarantine

The City is also reviewing continuity plans for departments and instituting a series of internal measures to
ensure the safety of our employees and residents who may interact.

Residents are encouraged to stay up to date by visiting the CDC’s coronavirus website at
www.coronavirus.gov; follow the City and Wood County Health Department on Social Media.