COVID-19 Pandemic Update for the Afternoon of May 8th: Neillsville Mayor Opens City Parks
Friday, May 8th, 2020 -- 3:26 PM
COVID-19 UpdateMay 8th, Afternoon
We have a COVID-19 update for you this afternoon.
Taking a look at the updated state numbers, the state has 97,265 negative tests, 9,590 positive cases (an increase of 375 over yesterday) and 384 deaths. Of the positive cases, 1,767, or 18%, have been hospitalized. Clark County has 23 positive and 331 negative. For our neighboring counties, Chippewa has 27 positive and 1,266 negative, Eau Claire has 50 positive and 2,410 negative, Jackson has 12 positive and 447 negative, Wood has 2 positive and 678 negative, Marathon has 22 positive and 1,019 negative and Taylor still has no positive cases and 146 negative. Clark County has had 4 people die from the coronavirus. Marathon and Jackson Counties have had one person die due to the coronavirus.
During the press conference by the governor and health officials today, they said that the methods being put in place, like safer at home and social distancing, is working, but more work needs to be done. They are also providing far more testing with assistance from the Wisconsin National Guard. They also discussed a plasma treatment that has proven effective in combating the virus, but they need plasma donations. They also heard from a nurse in Brown County that discussed their efforts in fighting the virus and the emotional toll it takes on patients and the nurses treating them.
On a side note, Neillsville’s mayor has opened up the city’s parks. The City of Neillsville recommends people do several things while spending time outside including do not use parks or trails if you are sick with symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath; maintain a social distance of at least six feet from people other than your household members; do not play team or contact sports. This includes but is not limited to basketball, ultimate frisbee, soccer, or football since these activities do not meet social distancing requirements. Suggested park activities include but are not limited to walking, biking, hiking, or running; assume that surfaces could have COVID-19; and do not use playground equipment or sports courts. If you must touch any surface within the park such as gates, tables, handles, playground equipment or other common touchpoints, use gloves or a bag over your hand, then wash your hands or use hand sanitizer immediately after.
Also, practice good personal hygiene such as washing your hands, carrying your own hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes, sneezing or coughing into a tissue or the inside of your elbow, avoiding touching your face, etc.; avoid public restrooms. Use the restroom before you leave your home; bring your own water or drinks since many public drinking fountains may be disabled and should not be used, even if operable; bring a trash bag with you and take out your own trash. If you have questions please contact Chief Jim Mankowski, City of Neillsville Police Department, 715-743-3122.
Again, Wisconsin’s “Safer at Home” order, asks all residents to avoid unnecessary travel. You can still go to the grocery store or pharmacy, get gas, get dinner from a local business, work in the yard, walk the dog, ride a bike, etc.; just practice social distancing when you do so. If there’s anything we can do at Central Wisconsin Broadcasting to help, please reach out. We have many resources available to you on our website and Facebook page and we’re happy to answer your questions. If we can’t, we can put you in touch with someone that can. But above all, continue to follow health expert guidelines.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.