COVID-19 Information

COVID-19 Updates


LATEST:

What:     Ages 12+ Pfizer Booster Clinic

When:    Monday, January 24, 2022 - afternoon

Where:   River Falls Public Library

Who:        Qualifying Persons (To learn more, visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Service's webpage here.

An appointment is necessary. Visit https://freemandrug.as.me/schedule.php to sign up. There is no charge or co-pay for the vaccine; however, those who are insured are asked to bring their insurance information. Masks are required at the clinic.

Vaccination sites and information:

Area testing locations: 

Daily/weekly case dashboards:

Contact tracing how-tos

County health department contacts:

COVID-19 Prevention

  • Wear a cloth face cover when in public.
  • Stay at least six feet from people outside your household.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. 
  • Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Stay home if you are feeling ill. If symptoms persist, call your health provider. .
  • Stay home if you have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

Access to City services

City services online: Many City services can be accessed online including obtaining permits, reporting potholes, scheduling refuse pick-ups, and completing license applications. Check www.rfcity.org for more information or call 715-425-0900.

On-site bill-pay: The City has provided a self-help, bill-pay service between its main doors, accessed from the upper (Lewis St.) parking lot.

Business and retail

The River Falls Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau has posted information on their website including financial and other resources for employers and employees

Official actions/communications:

Jan. 26: Pierce County issues Public Health Advisory Order restricting public gathering sizes

Jan. 19: Governor Evers' extended order #1 regarding mask wearing until March 20, 2021, with the following title: "Relating to Stopping the Spread of a New Highly Contagious Variant of COVID-19 by Requiring Face Coverings"

Dec. 2: CDC offers 14-day quarantine alternatives while acknowledging that "the 14-day quarantine is the best way to reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19.” 

Nov. 20: Governor Evers' extends order #1 regarding mask wearing to Jan. 19, 2021

Nov. 20: Pierce County issues an advisory order restricting public gathering sizes 

Nov. 12: "Crushing COVID-19" recovery plan returns to Safer at Home phase; City facilities closed to walk-in traffic through Nov. 30

Nov. 10: Governor Evers' order #94 encourages residents to stay home if possible during this critcal period

Nov. 9: UWRF opens new community testing site on campus

Nov. 3: Pierce County requests community assistance for close contact tracing

Sept. 25: Pierce County issues public health advisory to address surge in COVID-19 cases.

July 30: Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers issues an order that requires the use of face coverings in certain situations. Find FAQs about the order here.

July 28: The City of River Falls Council passed a resolution recommending the use of face coverings in all indoor public spaces. The next day, July 29, a news release about the resolution was distributed to local/state media.

June 25: The City of River Falls issued a press release announcing that it was moving into Phase II of its "Crushing COVID-19" recovery plan.

June 15: St. Croix County Public Health Officials confirmed the first death of a St. Croix County resident due to COVID-19.

June 12: Pierce County revised and expanded their "call to action" advisory from May 15, 2020. The advisory updated guidelines for outdoor gatherings to 50 individuals or less.

June 1: City Hall officially opened for walk-in lobby services. Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, except for Wednesday from noon-5 p.m. when it is closed for deep cleaning. Find more information here.

May 28: Pierce County issued a press release regarding spike in confirmed cases, urging caution.

May 26: City of River Falls City Council passed resolutions to modify its 2019-2021 Strategic Initiatives and 2019-2023 Capital Improvement Plan in light of the pandemic. 

May 21: City of River Falls announced a new, $50,000 Recovery Revolving Loan program to assist local businesses impacted by the pandemic.

May 19: City of River Falls updated its recovery guide, "Crushing COVID-19".

May 18: Pierce County Public Health issued a news release confirming COVID-19 cases in three households at an apartment complex in River Falls, WI. Eleven additional individuals are displaying symptoms.

May 15: Mayor Dan Toland issued a statement outlining the status of City facilities in Phase 1 of its "Crushing COVID-19" plan. An amended plan will be forthcoming. The statement mentioned links to the following business resources: CDC guidelines for reopening businesses and workplaces, and Pierce County’s "Business Toolkit: Preparing to Reopen Safely, Responsibly and Confidently."

May 15: Pierce County Public health issued a set of recommendations and St. Croix County a health advisory in the absence of a state recovery plan. 

May 14: City of River Falls distributed a news release addressing the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s ruling to invalidate Governor Evers’ Safer at Home order.

May 13: The Wisconsin Supreme Court overturned Governor Evers’ Safer at Home order by a vote of 4-3. This statement was issued by City Administrator Scot Simpson:

The City is aware that the Wisconsin Supreme Court has overruled the Governor’s Safer at Home order effective immediately. It is likely the state or counties will issue revised orders and guidance in the coming days. We will be revising our local recovery plan accordingly. Until then, we encourage residents and businesses to continue to utilize best practices to help keep our community safe. 

May 11: Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers announced order #36, opening small retail businesses with restrictions.

May 7: City of River Falls releases "Crushing COVID-19: A guide to recovery."

April 28: Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers announced his plan to reopen 34 state parks, under special conditions, on May 1. 

April 27: Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers released his "Turn the Dial" order, relaxing restrictions on some businesses including curb-side drop offs, outdoor recreational rentals, and car washes. The order goes into effect on April 29.

April 20: Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers announced the Badger Bounce Back Plan, a phased plan to open the state.

April 16: Gov. Evers extended the Safer at Home order from April 24, 2020, to 8 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2020, or until a superseding order is issued. There are several new changes in the order, which are noted here. The order also states that public and private K-12 schools will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.

Resources and information

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Wisconsin Department of Health Services

The public may also contact 211 for updated information or questions about COVID-19.