Hometown Broadcasting News Tuesday 3/24/20
24 March 2020 News
FDL County COVID 19 Cases Remain At 17
The number of COVID-19 cases in Fond du Lac County remains at 17. County Public Health Officer Kim Mueller gave an update Monday morning saying the two newest cases involved international travel and a connection to a positive case in the county. She says her department and state health officials do not believe there is any community spread. Fond du Lac County did report the first death due to the pandemic in the state Dale Witkowski contracted the virus while on an Egyptian river cruise. He celebrated his 55th birthday on that cruise. He died at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac on March 19th.
Second State Corrections Employee Tests Positive For COVID 19
The Department of Corrections says a second employee working at a state prison has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The first worked at Waupun Correctional, the second employee works at Columbia Correctional Institution in Portage. Both employees were directed to quarantine per CDC guidelines. After getting notice of the confirmed positive tests, each institution suspended administrative rules to limit movement for the protection of staff and inmates. No inmates have tested positive, and healthcare professionals are monitoring inmates closely.
FDL County DA Employee May Have COVID 19
Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney recently revealed in a Facebook post that one of his staff was treated for symptoms consistent with COVID-19 but was unable to get tested because of insufficient test kits. He says they are thankful he is getting treated. The doctor told that person Sunday to act as though he has COVID-19, but has not received an official diagnosis. Toney says he consulted with County Public Health Officer Kim Mueller and his office has taken appropriate steps to ensure the safety of their employees and those that may have come in contact with the ill employee.
COVID 19 Related Notes
State Representative David Bowen of Milwaukee tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend after running a fever late last week. He is currently quarantined at his home. Milwaukee has had the most cases of COVID-19 in the state. Bowen is said to be in good spirits.
The state’s Department of Natural Resources has suspended in-person County Deer Advisory Council meetings. The meetings will continue, but will use a call-in format. Meeting dates and times have not changed. Between March 30th and April 9th, each county will host a call-in meeting talking about harvest goals for 2020. Anyone interested in listening to their county’s call-in can join the meeting by phone from the comfort of their own home.
The Fond du Lac Public Library is asking patrons to hold off on retuning borrowed materials at both the downtown library and express branches until the locations reopen after the COVID-19 precautions are lifted. All materials returned by May 1st, which may be extended, will be fine-free.
Waushara County COVID 19 Prevention Efforts
The Public Health Officer for Waushara County says for now the county remains open for business. Patti Wohlfeil says as of Monday morning they had no positive cases of COVID-19, but 15 tests were still pending and a few had come back negative for the new coronavirus. She believes people have been doing a good job of social distancing. “So right now for COVID it seems pretty low so I want people to feel comfortable, but at the same time know that that’s probably because of the great job with social distancing.” She says they are asking people who are sick not to come to county offices and are encouraging others to call or email the department they need to talk to instead. Those with general questions about COVID-19 should call 211.
US Better Prepared To Handle COVID 19 Than Italy
Congressman Glenn Grothman believes the United States will come through the COVID-19 crisis better than Italy has. “I think we are in better shape than Italy I think are medical community is in better shape than Italy. I think we have done a better job of social distancing than Italy.” The federal lawmaker from Glenbeulah says one thing most people aren’t aware of is how much commerce Italy did with Wuhan, China. He says there were a lot Chinese from Wuhan in Italy, which may have accelerated the spread of the virus in Italy. Grothman also believes the United States will get through the pandemic, but would be in much better shape if it took a month rather than three months.
Scoop The Loop Returning
Ripon Downtown Manager Craig Tebon believes the “Scoop the Loop” event has the potential to become a weekend that will be associated with class reunions. The tradition was resurrected last year. Tebon says it has a potential for growth because it was hastily put together last year. “Last year we only really had four weeks, six weeks to market it and to launch it because we had to get approval from the city to get some ordinances changed. This year having a full year to market the event we are very excited. One of the Ripon High School class reunions is taking place that weekend.” He says years ago when Ripon Fest was in its hay day it became a weekend when many people came back to the community for reunions. The 2nd Annual Scoop the Loop will be held on Saturday, August 8th from 5 to 9 pm. It will feature a free outdoor movie on the Village Green.
Boys And Girls Club Start COVID 19 Relief Fund
Wisconsin Boys & Girls Clubs have started a statewide COVID-19 Relief Fund to purchase food, acquire supplies, pay staff, and address needs directly related to the coronavirus pandemic. Clubs serve 144,800 youth across 154 sites in 58 Wisconsin cities. They also serve two million meals and snacks to youth every year at no cost. In some areas including Appleton, Oshkosh and Berlin, local clubs are stepping up to provide additional child care for medical staff and first responders. Contributions will be shared directly with local sites across the state, dollar for dollar, with no overhead charges taken out.
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