by Kevin Zimmermann
SHEBOYGAN COUNTY, WI (WHBL) – As the Coronavirus pandemic continues its course, Sheboygan County has now confirmed a total of 26 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began. That’s up 4 from yesterday’s total. 12 cases are still active including one hospitalization. 12 have recovered and 2 are deceased. 265 persons tested for COVID-19 were negative. Age distribution is dominated by 60+ comprising about 2/3 of the cases, with ages 40-59 holding near 20% and the 20-39 group now making up 15% of total cases.
Governor Evers today issued several emergency orders connected to the pandemic: First, Emergency Order #20 allows health care provider licenses that would have expired during the public health emergency to remain valid until 30 days after the emergency is over. It also gives extra time for licensed, but out-of-state, providers currently assisting in our state to apply for a Wisconsin license, and gives the providers using them extra time to notify the state.
Second, Emergency Order #21 adjusts training and license renewal deadlines, as well as paramedic-level ambulance staffing levels for emergency medical services and, among other things made it easier for health care facilities to address their staffing needs.
Then, Executive Order #74 was issued, suspending in-person voting for Tuesday’s Spring Election. Among other things, the order delays in-person voting until June 9th unless the Legislature passes and the Governor approves a different date for in-person voting. The legislature was ordered into special session on election day, Tuesday, to address the matter.
The Wisconsin Elections Commission immediately ordered a special meeting for this afternoon, and in its statement suggested that it fully expects lawsuits to be filed, further complicating the situation and making it impossible to predict tomorrow’s election status right now. At this point, they said, they have no choice but to prepare as if Tuesday’s election is, indeed, held on Tuesday.
The Governor’s “Safer at Home” order remains in effect, and officials urged persons to follow all guidelines for social distancing, meticulous hygiene, social distancing, and now suggests wearing a cloth face mask anytime one is in public.
