by Kevin Zimmermann
SHEBOYGAN COUNTY, WI (WHBL) – The second death due to the COVID-19 virus was reported Sunday in the daily release from the Sheboygan County Division of Public Health. Both so far deceased were associated with the outbreak at Sunny Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation, and were over the age of 60.
On Sunday, Captain Joe Trovato of the Wisconsin National Guard reported that the Guard had dispatched a team to that senior living facility in Sheboygan to establish a mobile testing site and perform COVID-19 specimen collection. Approximately 30 Citizen Soldiers and Airmen from the 457th Chemical Company based in Whitewater, the Waukesha-based 135th Medical Company, and the 115th Fighter Wing in Madison arrived Sunday morning. Libby Jacobs of Sheboygan County’s Department of Health and Human Services said that the Guard would help with manpower – with both medics as well as decontamination – besides staffing and coordinating the process of testing workers and residents of Sunny Ridge.
As for the overall numbers, active cases in Sheboygan County number 22. 11 cases remain active while 9 have recovered. One active case remains hospitalized.
Sheboygan County Public Health emphasized the need for continued vigilance, as the only weapon against COVID-19 is through breaking the chain of infection.
It was again recommended, in agreement with CDC guidance, that cloth masks were worn in public to avoid contracting the virus. Social distancing, limiting excursions to trips necessary for food and essentials, and frequent and thorough hand washing are among steps recommended to help stem the spread of the Coronavirus.
County DPH also acknowledged that the pandemic and our responses to it can cause stress and anxiety. They encouraged those experiencing distress to call 800-985-5990 to speak with a trained counselor, or to text TalkWithUS to 66747.
