In response to COVID-19, Extension staff moves to remote options

As a Division of UW-Madison, Extension is following the lead of UW-Madison leadership in responding to the COVID-19 virus outbreak. We are also attuned to public health officials and leadership in our county on closures and further restrictions. The latest health guidance on responding to the COVID-19 is “flattening the curve” or limiting the spread of the virus via protective measures. We want to make sure we’re following best practice and promoting health and safety.

For Extension, this guidance has prompted our staff to transition to telecommuting and remote delivery of our programming. This follows guidance from UW-Madison to work remotely as possible through at least April 10, to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus and to protect the health and safety of our communities.

This move to remote work and program delivery is consistent with public heath guidance to limit exposure. Our staff who are able to work remotely will begin doing so. We are also working with staff who cannot work remotely to accommodate their situations. We want to make sure our staff are in safe and comfortable positions, and we are planning policies and recommendations for all of our workers. Social distancing and preventing potential infections is a key area we can help with to hopefully curtail the impacts of this outbreak.

To continue to be a resource for our counties and state, Extension is transitioning our programming to online delivery. Staff are working on innovative methods to serve our audience. With limited or restricted access to public spaces such as schools, colleges, and government buildings, Extension staff are responding to give our stakeholders resources via the internet.