by Kevin Zimmermann
SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) – 2020 came to a close today, at least as it concerns the daily reports of the coronavirus pandemic by the Sheboygan County Division of Public Health. The next update will be issued on Monday, January 4th.
Since the SARS CoV-2 virus first appeared here in March, 11,270 Sheboygan County residents have had to deal with COVID-19, the disease which results from infection by the virus. 93 of those have lost their battle, while 10,178 successfully fought the virus to recovery. Of the deceased, one was between 10 and 19 years old, two were in their 30s, four were in their 40s, five were in their 50s, fourteen were in their 60s, twenty-three were in their 70s and forty-four were 80 or older. 73 of 163 test returns received in the last 24 hours were positive for the coronavirus, a 44.7% positive rate. Active cases dropped 23 to 999, the first time since 971 active cases were reported on October 23rd. 96 more persons recovered in the last 24 hours, while an additional three were hospitalized, raising the county’s patient total to 20.
Wisconsin added another 2,755 cases to the number of infections since March, and 477,292 have now fought the virus. 444,609 of those recovered, while 27,729 are still battling COVID-19. The 2,755 new cases comprised about 37.4% of tests returned. 35 persons have lost their battle since yesterday, raising the death toll to 4,818. 126 more entered hospitals for treatment of suspected coronavirus infections, and after accounting for deaths and discharges, the COVID-19 patient population dropped 8 since yesterday, to 1,074. 244 of those occupy ICU beds. 72 more patients are hospitalized while awaiting test results, and 477 patients are on ventilators. As of Wednesday, there were no patients being treated at the Alternate Care Facility at State Fair Park in West Allis.
As snowy weather on Tuesday led to the closure of National Guard testing at the Aging and Disability Resource Center in Sheboygan Falls on Wednesday, the next session of community testing will be held there from 10 AM until 6 PM on Wednesday, January 6th. Turnout there has fallen far short of capacity during this month. The County DPH reports that since testing was renewed beginning December 11th, 584 tests were performed at the ADRC in four daily sessions, compared with a daily capacity of 450 persons. Anyone who suspects they either have COVID-19, or has come into close contact with a known positive, can be tested there free of charge. No reservations are needed, however pre-registration can speed the process and help prevent errors. That can be done by going online at COVID-19 Wisconsin Connect.
