May 26, 2020 9:15p; Updated 5-27 11:45a
(WGTD)---A half-dozen residents of a long-term health care facility in Kenosha have died in recent weeks after testing positive for COVID-19.
According to a news release from the county, the six patients at The Bay at Sheridan Health and Rehabilitation Center on south Sheridan Rd. were already in hospice care prior to testing positive.
The nursing home has moved all COVID-19-positive residents to one wing to keep them isolated. Kenosha County Health Dept. Dir. Jen Freiheit praised the facility's response, saying they've been doing everything right to mitigate the spread among residents and staff.
On Tuesday, Walworth County reported five new coronavirus deaths. All were residents of long-term care facilities.
The deaths bring Walworth County’s total to 16. Additional deaths were reported Tuesday in both Kenosha and Racine counties. Racine County recorded two more for a total of 27. And Kenosha County had one more patient pass, bringing that county's total to 23.
Statewide, the number of new cases as a percentage of total tests performed fell for a third day in a row to 3.6%.
A new community testing site designed to serve residents of Walworth, Jefferson and Rock counties opened Wednesday in Whitewater. The National Guard site is located in the parking lot of Perkins Stadium on UW-Whitewater’s campus. The tests are free and open to anyone, with or without symptoms. No appointments are necessary. For details, click here.
Meanwhile, Racine Unified has scrapped its plans for both virtual and in-person graduation ceremonies. Instead, drive-through ceremonies will be held at each of the district's five high schools. Graduates will be handed a diploma, and will be able to pause for a photo with their families.
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