County reports new COVID-19 deaths

Five additional decedents resided at long term care facilities

The Walworth County Division of Public Health reported earlier this week that an additional five deaths have been attributed to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

These deaths bring the county’s death total to 16.

All five decedents resided at long term care facilities, according to public health officials, and all were over the age of 80 and had significant underlying health conditions.

“These deaths highlight how devastating this disease can be for older adults, especially those with severe underlying medical conditions,” stated Erica Bergstrom, Public Health Officer.

“This is a sad day and a reminder of the continuing need to protect those at high risk for serious complications,” she added.

Long term care facilities throughout the country have implemented strategies to contain disease spread among staff and residents. Some of these strategies include restricting visitors, universal testing for staff and residents, and creating dedicated spaces for monitoring and caring for residents with COVID-19.

To reduce risk of getting sick or spreading, Public Health advises everyone to follow these simple steps:

• Stay home when sick;
• Maintain physical distancing;
• Frequently wash hands with soap and water;
• Cover coughs and sneezes;
• Avoid touching your face.

As of Tuesday, there were 356 confirmed cases in Walworth County and 3,152 negative tests. Nearly 260 cases have recovered while six people are hospitalized and 77 are isolated at home.

Of the 15 deaths, all had preexisting medical conditions, nine people were older than 80 and the other six were older than 65. The cause of death for 10 people was listed as COVID-19, for two people it was listed as “another significant health condition” while results on the cause of death for the remaining three were pending as of press time.

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.