Wisconsin reports 3 new confirmed cases of coronavirus

The Department of Health Services reports three new patients have tested positive for the coronavirus in Wisconsin.

Updated: 5:13 PM CDT Mar 11, 2020

MADISON, Wis. —
The Department of Health Services reports three new patients have tested positive for the coronavirus in Wisconsin. The announcement was made Wednesday afternoon. That brings the total number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Wisconsin to six. One has recovered.

Of the five other confirmed cases, two are in Fond du Lac County, one is in Waukesha County, one is in Dane County and the other is in Pierce County. The Waukesha County patient was exposed while traveling in the United State and internationally. "Waukesha County is working with the state to manage this situation and to mitigate the community spread of COVID-19 as much as possible," Waukesha County Public Health Officer Benjamen Jones said. "The best things residents can do is follow simple CDC guidance to protect themselves by doing things like washing their hands and staying home if they’re sick."

The Fond du Lac County patients were exposed while traveling, one domestically and the other internationally. "We are working with our partners and local hospital systems to ensure we are getting residents the care and testing they need to ensure we are protecting the community as a whole," Fond du Lac County Health Department Officer Kimberly Mueller said.

Two of the new patients have been isolated at home. The other was hospitalized to be treated for symptoms. County officials are working to determine with whom the new patients may have come into contact. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services also issued new guidance for travelers on a cruise in Egypt.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett announced he will ask Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers to declare a public health emergency. He said the declaration would allow for federal money to assist with the city and state response to the outbreak. "It's a proactive measure," Barrett said. Right now, he said he was not recommending closing Milwaukee Public Schools. Barrett wants the city to be able to test up to 500 patients per day for the coronavirus.

When asked about the mayor's request, a spokesperson for Evers said, "The governor is planning on hosting a news conference (Thursday) on COVID-19."

State officials would not disclose the ages or genders of the new coronavirus patients. The state reported 53 patients have tested negative for the new coronavirus. Health officials are recommending people who have traveled to places with active coronavirus in the past 14 days to monitor their health and to self-quarantine. Those developing symptoms like fever, cough or breathing problems should call their local health department for possible testing.

"Additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 weren't unexpected as this illness spreads across the country. These latest confirmed cases should remind us how important it is to follow the recommended steps to prevent illness and contain the spread of COVID-19," State Health Officer Jeanne Ayers said. "We continue to urge state residents to monitor the DHS COVID-19 webpage and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites for updated guidance on this evolving health situation."

As of Wednesday afternoon, 32 Americans have died from the coronavirus and eight have recovered. There are now at least 1,135 confirmed cases across the country.


https://www.wisn.com/article/coronavirus-wisconsin-3-new-confirmed-cases/31406781