COVID-19 Information

What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is defined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as a disease that spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and can include fever/chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, aches, and loss of taste or smell.

Staying healthy during COVID-19

The CDC recently released guidance that fully vaccinated people can remove masks when they are in public. Many counties are discontinuing public health orders including mask mandates. First Person Care Consultants and Centers for Independence recommends that you continue to follow the below public safety guidelines and wear masks in public even if you have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccination.

Prevent spread of the disease by staying six feet apart from others whenever possible and wearing a mask.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Stay home and avoid contact with others when you are experiencing symptoms.
If you are feeling ill or if you may have been exposed to someone that has tested positive for COVID-19, visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) testing page to learn the different ways you can get tested.
Notify your IRIS Consultant immediately if you have encountered someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19. Your IRIS Consultant will be able to help support you and determine the appropriate next actions to keep you safe.

To view a complete summary of changes to the CDC’s public health recommendations, click here.

How are my First Person Care Consultants services affected by COVID-19?

Your health and safety, as well as your comfort, is our top priority. Please see the below measures that we are taking to keep you safe during COVID-19.

Check-ins by video conferencing or phone: We will continue to accommodate you by completing check-ins by phone and video conference as much as possible.
Shortened in-person check-ins: In-person visits will be limited to documentation signing activities only for the time being.

Please contact your IRIS Consultant if you have concerns. We are happy to help answer any additional questions you may have.

How do I receive a COVID-19 Vaccination?

Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccinations are now being provided to individuals ages 12 and older in Wisconsin. Getting a COVID-19 vaccination is optional, but studies have shown that the approved vaccines are effective at offering protection against the virus in real world settings. To date, 35 cases of the Delta variant of COVID-19, a more contagious strain of the virus, have been traced to Wisconsin, and the virus has less of a chance to continue mutating if more people receive the vaccine.

If you are interested in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, you can search for appointments in your area at Vaccines.gov. The Vaccine Finder allows you to search for vaccine types available at locations in your area, whether the vaccine is in or out of stock, and the days and hours of the vaccine clinics.

Please visit the CDC website and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) website for more information and resources about COVID-19 vaccines. If you are in the Milwaukee area, please visit Healthy MKE for information about COVID-19 vaccines.

Please talk to your IRIS Consultant if you have any questions about how to find a COVID-19 vaccine. We can help support you and accommodate your needs to make sure you are able to receive a vaccine if you are interested in it.

Additionally, please call the Wisconsin BPDD COVID-19 Vaccine helpline at 608-266-7826 with any COVID-19 vaccine related questions. They can provide support with finding and setting up a vaccination appointment in your community, helping you plan to get a vaccination appointment and setting up a ride, getting answers to questions about the safety of the available vaccines, and general support to help you get the vaccine if you are interested in receiving one.

Additional resources from the CDC:

Additional resources from Wisconsin DHS: