Health Resources

Synod COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Resources

With the outbreaks of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Wisconsin, across the country, and around the world, congregations need to be well-informed and well-prepared. The following information offers guidance as we minister to and engage with each other, and within our communities, as the body of Christ. This page will be continually updated as often as possible as more information is shared from the ELCA and the synod.

#ELCAChurchTogether

New resources are continually added to the ELCA Public Health website including information on the Federal Government’s response, small business loans, the CARES Act, the Families First Act and more.

ELCA Vaccine Confidence Guide

Vaccination hopes, fears and falsehoods are around us in this time of heightened anxiety. ELCA Advocacy has provided this comprehensive guide to the vaccines and the vaccination process to help ELCA pastors, deacons, lay leaders, and members learn more and be advocates for the COVID-19 vaccines.

Wisconsin COVID-19 DHS Dashboard

Comprehensive information regarding the status of the COVID-19 pandemic in the state of Wisconsin including specific data broken down by state, county, locality, and zip code along with resources for staying healthy and safe in order to stop the spread.

Current Health Information & Resources

March 31, 2021: Recognizing that the pandemic, and our response, has continually changed very rapidly we have removed what were deemed to be “outdated” resources and communications in order to ensure only the most timely and germane information is presented – this includes any governmental resources/orders that are outdated or that have expired.

If you are needing any earlier communications from Bishop Mortensen-Wiebe, Bishop Emeritus Rogness, or the synod please contact the synod office. For all ELCA communications visit the ELCA Public Health website.

Note: The information & resources provided below are listed in the order in which they were issued with state mandates appearing first and then county.

• State of Wisconsin Executive Order #105 – “Declaration of State of Emergency”
  This new order, issued February 4, 2021 declares a new state of emergency and a public health emergency for the entire state following the overturning of Executive Order #104 by the state legislature. Subsequently, this order was followed by a new Emergency Order #1 (Statewide Mask Mandate), however this order was struck down by the Wisconsin Supreme Court on March 31, 2021 meaning that now any county and local mask mandates are now fully in effect.

• Dane County/Madison Emergency Order #14 – Amended Indoor Gathering Capacities & Mask Mandate
  This amended order, issued March 18, 2021 and effective immediately amends Emergency Order #14 and provides for updated capacity guidelines for indoor gatherings and reinforces the mask mandate issued previously. The Indoor gatherings capacity limit applies to all religious gatherings with the exception of worship services. This amended order remains in effect until April 7, 2021.

• Rock County “Rebound” Reopening Plan
  Rock County has moved to “Phase 2” of this plan as of Tuesday, March 2, 2021. This plan does mandate a 50% capacity limit on all religious gatherings and provides updated guidance.
• Rock County February 4, 2021 Face Covering Requirement Order
  This order. issued on February 4, 2021, requires face coverings to be worn at all times while indoors in Rock County. This order mirrors the state order and is in place until May 5, 2021 and is no enforceable in Rock County as the statewide mask mandate was overturned on March 31, 2021.

• Wisconsin DHS Website
  Website with Information & Resources from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services

• Links to SCSW County Health Departments
  Note that other that Dane & Rock counties, most others do not have a current emergency order or restrictions in place. Please check with your local authorities for local resources and recommendations.

*Note that links to resources above do not necessarily represent endorsement by the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin-ELCA; they are simply provided as a public service. Be sure to carefully vet any information, offer or service.