County warns of possible COVID-19 exposure at store
The increase in the number of positive cases of COVID-19 in Taylor County appears to be slowly leveling off after weeks of steep climbs.
As of July 29, the Taylor County had a cumulative total of 42 cases. Of that number, nine individuals have recovered and the remainder are still ill with the virus. The gain of seven new cases in the past week, is a slight decrease over double digit increases in the past few weeks.
The community testing held last week had little impact on the overall total number of cases in the county.
On Tuesday, July 21st, the Taylor County Health Departments and Taylor County Emergency Management hosted a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) drive-thru testing event at the Taylor County Fairgrounds. The event was attended by residents from several different communities.
Overall, 130 individuals were tested for COVID-19 with 80 of those tested residing in Taylor County. Immediately following the event, the Wisconsin National Guard drove specimen samples to the lab for analysis. According to Patty Krug, Taylor County Health Department director/ health officer as of Monday residents from the various communities had been informed of their results as of today. Two positive cases were identified as a result of this testing from various communities.
“This event would not have been possible without our partners. We can accomplish great things through collaboration,” said Krug. “We would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Wisconsin National Guard, Medford Police Department, Taylor County Highway and Maintenance Departments, and other individuals who made this event possible.”
While a decrease in the number of new cases is good news, health officials warn of an exposure risk at a local business.
The Taylor County Health Department has received notification of an individual who tested positive for COVID-19 who was present at Medford Fourmens Farm Home Power Center, 610 N 8th Street, Medford during their time of being infectious. Taylor County Health Department and Tom Hofmann of Fourmens Farm Home Power Center released a joint statement as there were patrons at Power Center who may have had close contact to the individual.
“Taylor County Health Department appreciates Medford Fourmens Farm Home management as they assisted us with our efforts to protect their staff and patrons,” stated Krug.
Patrons who visited the Power Center on July 20 and 21 from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. may have been exposed. The Taylor County Health Department is encouraging anyone who visited during these hours to monitor for symptoms for the next 14 days from their last visit. Common COVID-19 symptoms include: fever or chills, cough, and shortness of breath and other symptoms that can be found on the Wisconsin Department of Health Services COVID-19 information page.
If symptoms do develop, please contact your health care provider for further information. We remind everyone to social distance, wear a facial covering when in public and unable to social distance, wash your hands, avoid large gatherings and stay home if you feel sick.
Taylor County
42 — Number of positive cases: 1,625 — Number of people with negative results 0 — Number of cases who have died As of 7/29/2020
