CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (WEAU) – The Chippewa County Department of Public Health held their weekly COVID-19 update on Wednesday. A recap is available below.

CHIPPEWA COUNTY COVID-19 STATISTICS:

11,157 negative test results

284 positive test results (increase of 40 since last Wednesday)

44 active cases

240 released from isolation

1 hospitalization

121 cases over the age of 40, 163 under the age of 40.

0 deaths

624 tests from Aug. 9th to 15th (increase of 83 from the previous week)

The risk level is still high in the county. Gatherings should be less than 15 indoors and 50 outdoors with physical distancing and face coverings.

It is important for people to quarantine if they are a close contact to somebody who tests positive. Stay home for 14-days as you may not develop symptoms right away.

School Update:

Teachers starting developmental days. The focus is on technology for learning and cleaning protocols. The instructional and classroom structures have been modified. Plan is in place for reduced staff or students.

Questions:

Are they concerned that the disease continues to spread even with the mask mandate?

-They had clusters of disease in smaller communities within households. They also had disease spread at community events wear masks were not being worn. People need to stay home if they are sick to prevent exposure to others.

Were they happy to see more tests this week than previous weeks?

-Yes, saw increased testing in certain communities after public notices were released.

Are tests returning in a timely fashion?

-Yes, getting tests in the 24 to 48 hour range and in some cases coming back in less than 24 hours.

Are they ahead of other counties in getting a large percentage of people tested?

-About 1 in 6 people have been tested in the county, including jails and prisons. Around 10,000-11,000 people.

Why are they getting tests back so fast?

-The large healthcare providers in the area such as Mayo, Marshfield and Prevea have in-house testing programs.

Any problems with so far with Cornell opening early?

-No reports and are monitoring to see how it works with them to gauge how it will work with other schools.

Are they confident that schools will be ready to open?

-A lot of work has been done and they feel better this week than last week. Installed plexi-glass and got a large supply of masks. Protocols in place for masks and sanitizing. The big pieces are done, it’s now getting the little pieces in place.

Is there worry that schools will be disrupted/stopped once they start?

-They are being realistic that once groups of students and staff come together that the disease may spread. Having enough substitute teachers if they have to quarantine could be an issue. Hard to consistently physically distance and have a plan in place if they must reduce student capacity.

Will there be an increase in outdoor access at the schools?

-Yes,and they are adding internet access at some spots to accommodate outdoor access. They feel it is better to have kids in fresh air and have more space when some can be outside.

Do they foresee challenges in teaching younger kids to wear masks?

-Kids will need help learning, but it will be another expectation they will be teaching the students.

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