Sept. 29, 2020 7:10p
(AP/WGTD)— Gov. Tony Evers is urging people throughout Wisconsin to “get on the same team” and take steps to slow the spread of the coronavirus, as cases continue to soar at the state's highest levels since the pandemic began.
Dr. Ryan Westergaard, Wisconsin’s chief medical officer, said Tuesday that the state is in “crisis.”
Wisconsin on Tuesday recorded its highest single day increase in deaths from COVID-19 since May, the state's seven-day average in new cases was three times higher than a month ago and Wisconsin ranked third in new cases per capita over the past two weeks. The number of people hospitalized, 640, is also an all-time high.
Over the past 7 days, cases in Kenosha County have increased by 7.2%. They’re up 8.5% in Racine County; 5.4% in Walworth County.
The number of cases in Kenosha Unified among students and staff teaching and learning in the in-person mode stood Tuesday at 26, which is an increase of two from the day before. The district offers both in-person and virtual instruction.
Evers said Tuesday that he has no plans to limit K-12 schools to virtual instruction because the surge in cases is not being driven by K-12 schools. Even the high rate among college-age students is starting to subside, officials said.
The Wisconsin National Guard is offering testing this week in all three counties of the WGTD listening area.
Tests will be offered Friday, Saturday and next Monday and Tuesday at the Kenosha County Job Center from 10 until six.
Testing is being done at Festival Hall in Racine and at the Walworth County Fairgrounds through Wednesday from 10 until 6.
The free tests are offered to anyone who lives or works in Wisconsin. Symptoms are not a prerequisite. Although appointments aren’t needed, online pre-registration is recommended.
In other COVID-related news, the Kenosha School Board voted Tuesday night to allow a limited number of spectators to attend outdoor sports events. Two admissions per player or dance or cheer team member will be allowed. Social distancing requirements must be observed, and masks must be worn.
In Lake County, health officials are trying to contain an outbreak among adult volleyball players and spectators. At least 14 people who either played or watched volleyball at Jesse Oaks Food & Drink in Gages Lake have tested positive. Some of these players may have played at other bar/restaurant locations, which could contribute to further spread of the virus, according to the Lake County Health Dept.
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