by Kevin Zimmermann
SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) – Nearly 7.9% of tests returned in the last 24-hours in Sheboygan County came back positive as of 2 PM Friday according to the daily report from the Sheboygan County Division of Public Health. The 25 new cases raised the total confirmed case county to 1,227. At the same time, 11 persons recovered, placing the active case load at 98. Hospitalizations also took a jump upwards from 9 on Thursday to 13 on Friday.
Wisconsin’s day-to-day seesaw of positive return rates continued on Friday, as 13.8% of test returns came back positive, down from 17.5% on Thursday. The overall trend over the last 7 days has been one of increasing positive percentages, with that average now at 13.6%. State health officials have placed a gating criteria of 5% on that figure, something not seen since the end of June according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. 1,369 confirmed cases were added to state totals since Thursday, upping the running sum to 86,250. Another 4 fatalities due to COVID-19 raised the death toll in Wisconsin to 1,197. 41 persons were hospitalized since Thursday, and the population of COVID-19 patients is now 304, with another 151 in hospitals awaiting their test results. 378 persons require ventilator assistance to sustain life at this time, and 93 persons are in the ICU with COVID-19 symptoms.
Give local trends, the County DPH is keeping the Sheboygan County Safe Restart Plan in Phase-2. This limits non-essential businesses, bars, restaurants and organizations to 50% capacity, recommends that those 65 or older – or medically vulnerable – to limit travel and remain at home as much as possible, supports online education and remote work options and encourages masking for both staff and consumers. In addition, WEDC and CDC Best Practice Guidelines should be followed, outdoor events should allow people to maintain 6 feet physical distance from others, and recommends that private indoor social gatherings be limited to 25 people or less with physical distancing.
The County DPH is maintaining a “High Risk Level” for county schools, meaning that blended formats for face-to-face learning should be maintained along with active monitoring of students, visitors and staff. Physical distancing of 6 feet and face masks should be required for students in grades K-12, visitors and staff. Meals should be consumed in classrooms, assemblies or field trips should not be held and extracurricular activities should follow guidance. Also, elementary schools should restrict class size to no larger than 18 and there should be no interactions between classes. Secondary schools, as with the elementary levels, should maintain 6 foot distancing, and also should limit intermingling of classes and students as much as possible.
Lakeshore Community Health at 1721 Saemann Avenue in Sheboygan is offering their “Drive Up to Clean Up” program of free cleaning supplies to anyone needing them. The program, sponsored by Lakeshore Community Health and United Healthcare, will distribute those supplies on Thursday, September 17th between 10 AM and 12 Noon, or until supplies run out. Those needing supplies can either pop their trunk, or request items to be placed in the back seat. Walk-ups and bus riders will also be accommodated.
