March 13, 2020 1:35p; Updated 3:05p with new state cases
(WGTD)---The Central Racine County Health Dept. announced Friday that a county resident is sick with COVID-19. The resident apparently contracted the disease while travelling internationally and is recovering at home. This is the first confirmed case in either Racine, Kenosha or Walworth counties, although test results are pending on two suspected Kenosha County cases.
In all, state health officials reported Friday 11 new cases of the virus, bringing the total to 19. In addition to Racine County, two new cases were reported in Milwaukee County, three in Sheboygan County, four additional cases in Fond du Lac County and one additional case in Dane County.
In other virus developments Friday, Gateway Technical College joined Carthage, Parkside and other schools in announcing schedule changes. Gateway announced it will cancel classes for three days early next week to give instructors a chance to prepare to convert from classroom to online teaching. As much online teaching as possible will take place through the end of the semester. In addition, all college-related and out-of-state-trips will be scrapped through the end of next month. Some of the larger Gateway events that have been canceled include EcoFest in Racine and the College’s annual Student Design Show.
Racine Unified put out a status update Friday morning. The email says schools remain open, but that the district will continue to work closely with city and county health department officials. Before and after-school childcare will remain open unless otherwise specified. A travel ban has been implemented, including all field trips. Spring sports events are canceled at least through April 20th. The same goes for concerts and other assemblies.
The Racine Symphony announced Friday morning that its next concert, originally scheduled for April 5th, has been postponed. The Kenosha Symphony also announced a postponement of Saturday’s concert. However, Racine Theatre Guild productions are still on.
Kenosha Harbor Market canceled Saturday’s market. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Racine is off. Large competitions and gatherings in Pleasant Prairie’s RecPlex have been canceled, although the facility itself will remain open with enhanced cleaning and sanitation efforts.
Tremper boys basketball coach Ben Chamness plans to meet with his team later this afternoon following Thursday night’s dramatic overtime win over West Allis in the first game of the sectional tournament at Racine Park. Tremper had planned on advancing to the sectional final against Racine Case in Burlington Saturday night. But then the WIAA canceled the tournament late Thursday because of coronavirus concerns.
“We’re feeling a little bit gypped,” said coach Ben Chamness. The last time Tremper boys got this far in basketball was in 2005. “The guys are heartbroken,” Chamness said in a WGTD phone interview Friday afternoon. “I think they understand that ultimately people’s health and the health of our community is most important but at the same time it doesn’t make it any easier to take.”
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