by Kevin Zimmermann
SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) – The coronavirus that causes the COVID-19 disease has now been shown to be transmitted via “community spread”. The Wednesday update from the Sheboygan County Division of Public Health shows the total number of confirmed cases is now 7, five of those active. Two of those have since recovered, while the remainder are in home isolation and being closely monitored by Public Health. As of Wednesday afternoon, 61 tests of Sheboygan County residents have been negative for the virus.
The 3 original cases involved international travel, and the next 3 confirmed positive tests were found in persons who had contact with the original three. The new, 7th case, had no known contact with existing cases, indicating what’s called “community spread”. It is because of community spread that such steps as “social distancing”, or keeping 6 feet of separation between others, is important because the virus normally does not spread beyond that distance from one who has it. However the virus can live on hard surfaces for many hours, lesser times on soft surfaces such as clothing, and so washing hands thoroughly and frequently as well as avoiding direct contact with the face and with others is encouraged.
Officials today urged the public to stay home if possible in accordance with Governor Evers’ “Safer At Home” directive which ordered the closure of non-essential businesses for 30 days. They noted that the only tool that can stem the tide of COVID-19 is physical separation from each other. If the spread is not contained and slowed, the healthcare system risks being overloaded. Below is a link to the Sheboygan County Division of Public Health COVID-19 webpage, where information is posted as it becomes available.
