by Kevin Zimmermann
SHEBOYGAN COUNTY, WI (WHBL) – Another Sheboygan County resident has tested positive for COVID-19, raising the total number of cases so far to 69. 13 of those cases are active and one is hospitalized with the coronavirus infection. 63 persons in all were tested in the last 24 hours.
Statewide, 4,654 tests were administered since Tuesday with 291 of those returning positive results. 3 more persons died, a relatively low number compared to most days past, and although still tragic, at least another small reason for hope. The percentage of positive test returns edged up to 6.3%, but that wasn’t enough to interrupt how the state determines the trends required to implement Phase 1 of the Badger Bounce Back program to reopen the state. The only remaining indicator of the six required metrics is the downward trajectory of influenza-like illnesses reported within a 14-day period. Although there has been slight improvement during the period, it was not measured as statistically significant enough to move the bar.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has begun releasing identifying information concerning investigations that took place at long-term care facilities, non-healthcare workplaces, group housing facilities, health care facilities and other settings. Sheboygan County has had 4 investigations in all; 3 at long-term care facilities and 1 at a health care facility. The State DHS also noted that 2 of those investigations of nursing homes are still underway in Sheboygan County. Rocky Knoll Health Care Center and Sunny Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center were the only facilities identified, while a single assisted living facility investigated will remain unnamed according to the County Division of Public Health. County DPH went on to explain that according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, names of facilities – other than skilled nursing facilities – are not released by DHS and that it is up to local health departments whether public safety makes it necessary to release any further information. Additionally, Individual facilities connected with public health investigations may not be named because the strategies employed by the health department to protect the community also seek to ensure the privacy of individuals and their families.
