by Kevin Zimmermann
SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) – October is ending on a somber note as it relates to the progress of the coronavirus pandemic in Sheboygan County. One more death in the 80+ age group has occurred since Thursday. October added 11 to the toll that has now reached 29. Of that number, one casualty was in their 30s, one in their 40s, three in their 50s, four in their 60s, seven in their 70s, and 13 were 80 or older.
Sheboygan County began the month with 2,046 coronavirus cases – that has more than doubled in the last 30 days to 5,010. Friday saw the addition of 81 new positive test results…32% of the total received. Active cases, which numbered 239 on October first, are now at 1,669, a nearly seven-fold increase, and up 26 since Thursday. Recoveries increased 53 to a total of 2,454…a gain of over 1,000 since 10/1. Hospitalizations were up by 10 to 27 – the highest number so far recorded during the pandemic.
Wisconsin added 5,096 new cases of COVID-19 to its total…now at 220,092, and with 18,692 tests results in all, that’s a positive rate of about 27%. There are now 46,833 active cases in the state. 24 more persons died since Thursday, raising the death toll to 1,972. Another 142 persons entered hospitals for treatment of COVID-19, raising the patient population to 1,453 – 330 of those in the ICU. Another 169 persons were hospitalized and awaiting test results, and 454 persons were on ventilators.
After revisions of the metrics used to determine the activity level in Sheboygan County, the Sheboygan County Safe ReStart Plan has been abandoned because of the inability of metrics to accurately take into account all factors, the limited local capacity for data analysis, and the limitations of the color code used to represent the local threat level. Under the revised system, the Sheboygan County Activity Level has been placed at the highest ranking of “very high,” with a current burden rate of 1,826 per 100,000 people. Under that designation, indoor gatherings are not recommended outside of the immediate household and outdoor gatherings should be limited to 10 or less with social distancing in place. Salons and spas should not open beyond minimum operations, workplaces should consider allowing only essential workforce on-site with physical distancing, masking and active monitoring for symptoms. Retail should consider only mail delivery and curbside pickup, and stores with outside entrances may allow up to 5 patrons to enter (as an example). Grocery stores and pharmacies should remain open, but with no dine-in, self-service or customer self-dispensing.
Schools were also advised to highly consider virtual/distance learning instead of in-person classes.
All recommendations are available through the daily reports filed at sheboygancounty.com
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