by Kevin Zimmermann
SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) – Sheboygan County’s incidence of the COVID-19 virus remain stable since last Thursday, when the Sheboygan County Division of Public Health reported 4 active cases and 2 recoveries from the coronavirus that’s sweeping the globe. Those 6 cases are the only confirmed presence of the coronavirus in the county, while another 40 individuals who were tested for the virus were negative.
Drive-through testing locally is only available at the Prevea St. Nicholas Medical Office Building, and then only for those patients who have a provider testing order. Patients seeking a test through the Ascension Medical Group are being directed to the Grafton location, while Advocate Aurora Health requires authorization for a test, and will then refer the patient to a testing location.
Sheboygan County is under a state of Emergency since the County Board of Supervisors passed a unanimous resolution to that effect on March 17th. County Government will remain open with limited access to provide essential services. The Courthouse remains open and people are still able to file for restraining orders, injunctions and other legal actions, but people are urged to call in advance to limit in-person contact.
On the state level, Governor Tony Evers today directed Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm to issue a Safer at Home order that prohibits all nonessential travel, with some exceptions such as that essential to maintain health and safety, to get necessary services or supplies such as food and supplies, pet food and supplies necessary for staying at home, care for a family member in another household and care for older adults, minors, dependents, people with disabilities or other vulnerable persons. Most non-essential businesses were ordered to close; a link to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation provides detailed information on status of many businesses here: https://wedc.org/essentialbusiness/
On the City level, the Sheboygan Police Department will suspend Alternate Side Parking Enforcement effective on Saturday, March 28th in response to the coronavirus emergency. Until then, Public Works crews will run street sweeping operations.
As always, officials are urging the public to stay home if possible, avoid direct contact with others and maintain a 6-foot distance, avoid touching the face and to wash hands thoroughly and frequently.
