One state’s online tool gauges risk for virus

Wisconsin governor says he hopes tool helps people make safe choices.

Citing contact-tracing data that showed an increase in the number of positive coronavirus cases linked to group gatherings, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services has launched an online tool meant to help residents assess the risk of exposure to the virus when participating in various activities.

“The safest choices are to stay home and wear a face covering when you are out,” Gov. Tony Evers said in a statement. “At the same time, we know from the data that people are choosing to participate in activities that put themselves and others at risk, and we hope this tool will assist people in making safe choices.

“I understand the pull to see family and do the activities we love to do, but we also need to protect ourselves and each other as much as possible.”

The “Decision Tool for Individuals and Families,” located on the Department of Health Services’ website, features a series of drop-down menus with questions and answers that explore risk factors at home, activities outside the house and conditions in the community.

The “activity” menu, for example, includes the question, “Will the activity take place indoors or outdoors?” and it provides on information on what affects a person’s risk of exposure to COVID-19.

“By providing questions to answer, scenarios to think through, and the available evidence behind certain recommendations, the tool is designed to give Wisconsinites necessary information to make choices that will help stop the spread,” the health department said in a statement.

The decision tool’s launch comes as the rolling average number of daily cases in the state continues to decrease, while the number of positive cases linked to mass gatherings is trending upward.

Data obtained from contact-tracing calls showed that positive COVID-19 cases linked to parties or gatherings grew from 7% of cases in May to 21% in June and 20% in July, according to the state.

“All activities involve some level of risk; depending on the individual participating and the community where the activity is located, that risk is evolving and multidimensional,” said Andrea Palm, the state’s DHS secretary-designee.

“This tool gives people additional questions to consider when making decisions about which activities to participate in.”

Kate Elizabeth Queram writes for Route Fifty, a digital publication that covers news, technology, innovation and best practices in state, county and municipal governments across the United States.

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