The increase was not a surprise, officials say
As of this afternoon, Walworth County currently has 15 laboratory confirmed cases of COVID-19, according to the latest news from the county’s Public Health Department. Of the confirmed cases, nine people have recovered, four are currently hospitalized and one person is being monitored at home.
Officials said the jump in the number of cases did not come as a surprise.
“The large increase in cases is not unexpected. Wisconsin continues to move up the epidemiological curve and we will continue to see more cases in the coming days and weeks,” Erica Bergstrom, Public Health Officer said. “It remains important that we all adhere to physical distancing practices and the Safer at Home order.
It’s important to note that the course of treatment is based on symptoms regardless of whether or not someone is tested, according to officials.
Whether someone is tested for COVID-19 or not, it does not impact the course of treatment for someone experiencing symptoms. If people have manageable symptoms, Public Health Department staff strongly urge them to stay home until at least seven days have passed since symptoms started, they have been fever free for at least 72 hours without the use of medication, and their other symptoms have improved.
If symptoms do not improve or worsen, at that point it will be recommended the person contact their health care provider.
“As our community continues to adjust to the impact COVID-19 has had on our daily lives, it is important to be aware of the toll these changes can have on one’s mental health. It is normal to experience an increase in anxiety and possible depression in response to the additional stressors. Talk to your family and friends, reach out to others, and seek help,” officials stated in the update.
Local assistance is available 24 hours a day through Walworth County’s Crisis Line at 262-741-3200. Additional resources to help you and those you are concerned for can be found through the CDC website (see the link below.)
Walworth County Division of Public Health continues to monitor the spread of the disease and implement practices to reduce transmission.
“We are working with our local, state, and federal partners to deal quickly and effectively in the event people have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been around people who have been infected with the new coronavirus,” Bergstrom said.
The health department reminds everyone to follow these simple steps to avoid getting sick:
• Frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water;
• Cover coughs and sneezes;
• Avoid touching your face;
• Stay home when sick;
• Practice social distancing;
This is a rapidly evolving situation. For the latest information, visit the Centers for Disease Control website at cdc.gov, the State Department of Health Services at dhs.wisconsin.gov or the Walworth County website at co.walworth.wi.us.
Note: This post is under the Elkhorn tab because the Walworth County’s Public Health Department is located in Elkhorn. It in no way implies that the people who’ve tested positive live in the Elkhorn community. County Public Health officials are not releasing information on where the people who have tested positive live.
