Ken. Co. Health Dept. Scales Back Virus Investigations Because of Numbers

March 23, 2020 5p

(WGTD)---The number of new COVID-19 cases in Kenosha County increased to 13 Monday, up by one from Sunday night. Kenosha County Health Dept. Dir. Jen Freiheit told WGTD News late Monday afternoon that the symptoms of those testing positive ranged from none to a level that required hospitalization. She also said that the disease is becoming so widespread in Kenosha County that her staffers are having to scale back some investigations. For example, if a person who tests positive for the virus had visited a dentist office, staffers would notify the office manager instead of trying to individually contact every patient who may have come into contact with the infected person. Freiheit couldn't comment on whether any of the new cases are connected to the Salem Grade School student who tested positive for the illness last week. In Racine County, five cases are confirmed. The number in Walworth County is three. A totsal of 92 cases have been confirmed in Lake County. 

Also:

*Gov. Evers says he'll issue details of his 'stay-at-home' order on Tuesday. He also said at Monday's coronavirus briefing that he's considering limiting the Apr. 7th election to mail-in ballots only.

*The City of Racine has launched a new coronavirus website. Click here.   For Racine County's coronavirus website, go here. 

*Racine County issued two orders today to protect long term care patients. Among other things, one requires facilities to screen all staff members at the beginning of their shifts for signs of fever and respiratory symptoms. The other order requires EMTs that enter nursing homes and other long-term care facilities to wear protective gear. 

*Kenosha Transit is temporarily suspending fare collection, and is asking riders to board and exit buses from the rear door in order to protect drivers. 

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