COVID-19 Pandemic Update for the Afternoon of May 27th: Positive Cases at Abbyland, Local April Unemployment Numbers, Rock Fest
Wednesday, May 27th, 2020 -- 2:23 PM
COVID-19 UpdateMay 27th, Afternoon
We have a COVID-19 update for you this afternoon.
Taking a look at the updated state numbers, the state has 210,605 negative tests, 16,462 positive cases (an increase of 599 over yesterday) and 539 deaths, an increase of 22 over yesterday. Of the positive cases, 2,411, or 15%, have been hospitalized. Clark County has 30 positive cases and 788 negative. For our neighboring counties, Chippewa has 54 positive and 2,380 negative, Eau Claire has 99 positive and 4,171 negative, Jackson has 14 positive and 1,028 negative, Wood has 9 positive and 1,651 negative, Marathon has 43 positive and 2,487 negative and Taylor has 1 positive case and 359 negative. Clark County has had 4 people die from the coronavirus. Marathon, Jackson and Wood Counties have had one person die due to the coronavirus.
During the state’s press conference today, the Governor announced the Route to Recovery Grants going to Wisconsin communities to help with multiple difficulties municipalities may be dealing with right now. He also highlighted the importance of mental health for everyone during the time of the coronavirus including funds available for children who may be struggling during the pandemic. They also stressed that if you need a test, get a test.
The Clark County Health Department is reporting three employees of Abbyland Foods Inc. have tested positive for COVID-19.
Clark and Marathon County Health Departments are working with Abbyland leadership and staff to conduct an investigation to track, trace, and contain the virus,” said Brittany Mews, Clark County Health Officer. “Abbyland Foods is located in both counties. We are all working together to ensure the facility, staff, residents, and their family members, are taking steps to contain the spread of COVID-19.”
“Abbyland Foods is committed to providing a safe work environment for all employees. To the best of our abilities, Abbyland has implemented CDC recommended prevention guidelines such as employees wearing masks, reconfigured workspaces , staggered breaks and lunches to limit employee contact and promote social distancing, and increased sanitization in high traffic areas” stated Todd Jelinski, Safety Director, Abbyland Foods Inc.
“COVID-19 can be spread by asymptomatic people, meaning people who are not experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath,” stated Judy Burrows, Public Information Officer for Marathon County. “Everyone can do their part to control the spread by practicing social distancing, wearing masks, and washing their hands.”
If you have been in contact with someone who is a confirmed case of COVID-19, staff from your local health department will be in touch to notify you of the potential exposure. When they call, they will ask if you are experiencing symptoms, and will provide information about quarantine and isolation. If you have symptoms, they can also help you understand when and how to seek medical help, how to get tested, and options if you have concerns about being able to safely quarantine or isolate for the required time.
The health departments do not release the names of any residents that have been tested positive for COVID19 to protect the privacy of individuals and their families. Close contacts at Abbyland Meats Inc. and immediate family members have been notified. Any person with symptoms has been isolated.
In regards to unemployment, the State Department of Workforce Development has released unemployment data for the month of April.
For the month of April, the unemployment rate for Clark County skyrocketed to 10% after hitting a low in March of 2020 at 3.6%. For April unemployment numbers for our neighboring counties, Chippewa County hit 14.1%, Eau Claire hit 13% and Jackson hit 20%.
Also, Wood County hit 15.4%, Marathon hit 12.3% and Taylor hit 10.9%. Wisconsin is currently at 14.6% for unemployment after hitting a low of 3.4% in March.
In other news, the coronavirus claimed another victim today. It has been announced that Rock Fest 2020 has been postponed to July 15th-17th of 2021. For those that have already purchased tickets, they will be honored next summer. If you can’t make next year’s show, you can request a refund. See our Facebook page and website for more details.
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.