---

Dear Editor;
I would like to commend the Iowa County Department of Health for the outstanding job they are doing-quite unrecognized-in battling the Covid-19 virus. These quiet workers, alongside hospital and clinic staffers and first responders, are frontline heroes in this battle.
On October 1, I was contacted by one of the tracers for the CountyHealth Department. I had just learned that a friend I'd seen the previous week had tested positive for the virus. He had given my name as someone potentially infected. The caller was calm, professional, and thorough in her assessment of my symptoms (I had none), the date and circumstances of my contact, and the next course of action. I took the option of having a test the next day at the drive-through testing site at Upland Hills Hospital (incidentally, if you are a resident of Iowa County, or work here, or have a primary care physician with Upland, you can call to arrange a test).
That same day, as promised, I was emailed four documents with clear, brief, factual information on the virus, on cleaning and disinfecting, on next steps for me to take, and one sheet-suitable for posting!-boldly stating the date my self-quarantine would end.
I was tested on a Friday, around noon. Since tests must be sent to Madison for evaluation, I was instructed that I may not see next-day results, but should see results by Monday or Tuesday. Results are posted to a password-protected MyChart personal health log, followed by a phone call to you.
I was fortunate: mine came Saturday morning. I was negative. Fortunate again.
But that's not the end of the story. Also as promised, I was sent two emails each day asking me to respond with my current temperature, and a list of symptoms to click "yes" or "no." This follow-up reporting continues twice a day until the end of the quarantine. And I'm certain they assist in even more ways for those requiring treatment.
These county employees are working very hard. If a contact tracer should try to reach you, please respond. Please be as courteous and thorough to them as they will be to you. And please know that these people are professionals and are working diligently to keep everyone in the county safe.
This isn't easy for any of us. But we'll get through it.
Oh, and wear the mask. It's easy. And it works.
Justin O'Brien
Mineral Point, WI