by Kevin Zimmermann
SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) – The largest single-day total to date – 286 – positive test returns were logged in Wednesday’s daily update from the Sheboygan County Division of Public Health, raising to 6,622 the number of persons experiencing COVID-19 so far in Sheboygan County. With 446 test results received in all, the positive rate today was an unprecedented 64% in Sheboygan County. 122 persons recovered from COVID-19 in the last 24-hours, enabling the active case count to rise 165 to 2,243.
After a review of records, the County DPH has determined that one of the previously identified deaths actually resided in another jurisdiction, so the total was revised to 41, with no additional deaths recorded in the last 24 hours. Ten had initially been added on Tuesday. COVID-19 patients now occupy 35 beds in Sheboygan County hospitals, down one from Tuesday.
Wisconsin logged its third day of 7,000+ positive test returns on Wednesday, with 7,048 added to those confirmed with COVID-19. That total is now 285,891. With 17,472 test returns in all, the positive rate is now 40%. 62 more persons have died since Tuesday, putting the state’s death toll at 2,457. Another 277 persons were hospitalized for treatment of COVID-19 symptoms, raising the state COVID patient population to 2,102 – 32 more than the day before. 441 of those are in the ICU. The Wisconsin DHS reports that 215 patients were hospitalized while awaiting test results, and 606 were on ventilators.
Governor Tony Evers’ Executive Order #94, which was issued on Tuesday, was recognized by the County DPH as being in alignment with existing recommendations issued locally. Sheboygan County is currently experiencing very high levels of COVID-19 and significant spread in our community. It was noted that in the last few weeks, we are regularly seeing well over between 100 to 200 cases per day. The recommendations issued by the County DPH and the Wisconsin DHS in order to address such spikes in activity both recommend staying at home whenever possible, physically distancing 6 feet from others, wearing face coverings unless not advised due to medical reasons, and avoiding gatherings. Retail, hospitality, and restaurants and bars are encouraged to limit capacity to 25% and to offer curbside pickup and delivery options, and businesses should encourage remote work options whenever possible.
