The Lincoln County Health Department is confirming the second death in Lincoln County associated with COVID-19. The individual was in their 60’s and had underlying health conditions.
We are saddened by the loss of one of our community members,” said Shelley Hersil, Lincoln County Health Department Director and Health Officer. “We extend our sympathies to their loved ones and all impacted.”
COVID-19 can cause serious health complications and death, especially among older adults and people with chronic health conditions, that’s why it’s important that we all work together to prevent the spread of illness. Lincoln County has had 17 hospitalizations since September first related to COVID-19. Simple actions such as washing hands, physical distancing, wearing face coverings and staying home when sick can have a huge impact on the health and safety of Lincoln County. “Preventing COVID-19 requires a community approach. It’s important that we continue to take steps to protect one another, especially our most vulnerable,” added Hersil.
Surge In Cases
Currently, COVID-19 activity level is very high in North Central Wisconsin and Lincoln County, according to a press release from the Lincoln County Health Department on Friday, Oct.2. We are seeing community spread and more exposure due to individuals gathering with others especially when they are sick. The rise in cases is throughout the entire county and among all ages.
Check out Lincoln County Health Department’s website for the most recent COVID-19 weekly data update at https://bit.ly/2SioE0v.
● Since Labor Day weekend there has been 130 new COVID-19 cases in Lincoln County.
● Our case burden is 436 per 100,000 people. Above 350 is considered a very high threshold for case burden.
● We have had 17 hospitalizations since September 1, 2020. The Lincoln County Health Department is doing our best to follow up with cases and contacts in a timely manner, as well as, notify the public of exposures that we become aware of in which close contacts cannot be determined. While residents wait for a call or letter with isolation guidance, we ask that they self-quarantine and monitor their symptoms. Symptoms are not necessarily shortness of breath and fever right away, so watch for more mild symptoms as well such as headache, nausea, and sore throat. If you are experiencing symptoms contact your clinic to get tested.
A list of local testing sites can be found on our website at https://bit.ly/3l11CYm. Individuals should expect to come in contact with COVID-19 when leaving their home and take the proper preventable precautions. We ask all community members to follow public health recommendations of avoiding gatherings, staying home when sick, physical distancing, wearing face coverings and washing hands often. We all as community members have a role in slowing the spread of COVID-19. WI DHS has developed interactive dashboards for the public to track local disease and regional hospital capacity. We encourage the public to check out those resources at https://bit.ly/36lpv8R.
Lincoln County Health Department will continue to update our Facebook page Monday – Friday, with current COVID-19 case counts. This is a rapidly evolving situation. For the latest information about COVID-19 in Lincoln County visit: https://co.lincoln.wi.us/covid19 or follow us on Facebook. You can also visit the CDC’s website or the DHS website.