BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) – Brown County has declared a state of emergency as the number of positive COVID-19 cases continues to grow.
Brown County has two confirmed cases so far, and that number is likely to go up. But when it comes to pending cases, health officials say it’s difficult to provide exact numbers because they’re coming in too quickly.
“The testing is done not just daily, but hourly. It would be really hard to get a firm, real-time number,” says Ted Shove of the Brown County Public Health Department.
No specific details have been released about the latest positive case, but efforts are now in place to figure out where they may have contracted COVID-19. However, even once the investigation gains further details into the cases, there isn’t much officials will be able to release.
“Contact investigation and tracing is underway,” Shove says, “[New information] will be very limited in nature, just for the protection of patient privacy.”
One person who tested positive for COVID-19 was inside and around the Brown County courthouse recently, prompting the building to shut down for sanitation Thursday. There are hopes to reopen the courthouse Friday morning.
The person identified in that most recent confirmed case has reportedly been taking precautions to avoid contact with other people.
“The initial indications are that they – for the most part – were self-quarantining. But in terms of a mandatory health order for quarantine, nothing has been issued,” Shove says, “Stay home and minimize travel as much as possible. Social distancing and handwashing – staying away from large groups of people – that’s really our biggest defense for mitigating the impact.”
If you were around that area and believe you might have contracted the virus, it’s recommended to only call your medical provider if you’re suffering from serious respiratory complications. Health officials ask everyone to hold tight – and to not call 911 or the county health department just because you were in that area.
“If we’re not contacting you, the chances are very high that you were not in contact with that individual,” Shove tells WTAQ News.
For now, courthouse employees are not being tested for the virus but if they’re experiencing any symptoms they’re being asked to contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Another update is expected sometime Thursday afternoon as more test results become available.
