COVID-19 Pandemic Update for the Afternoon of April 17th: State Has Over 4,000 Positive Cases, Over 200 Deaths, Clark County at
Friday, April 17th, 2020 -- 1:55 PM
COVID-19 UpdateApril 16th, Afternoon
We have a COVID-19 update for you this afternoon.
Taking a look at the updated state numbers, the state has 42,365 negative tests, 4,045 positive cases and 205 deaths. Of the positive cases, 1,153, or 29%, have been hospitalized. Clark County now has 12 positive cases and 120 negative. For our neighboring counties, Chippewa has 20 positive cases and 667 negative cases, Eau Claire has 22 positive cases and 1,331 negative, Jackson has 11 positive and 144 negative, Wood has 2 positive and 301 negative, Marathon has 16 positive and 459 negative and Taylor still has no positive cases and 68 negative. Marathon and Jackson Counties have had one person die due to the coronavirus.
The Safer at Home Order has been extended until May 26th and schools are closed for the remainder of the year. Health officials stated that the Safer at Home order is working. We are flattening the curve, but it’s important that we continue to do so. We don’t want to turn the curve into a U. Meaning, we don’t want to open things too quickly and bring on a second wave of the virus and put ourselves in the same situation or even worse situation than we’re in now. The governor stated that we will be working with our neighboring states on reopening our economies. But it won’t be like flipping a switch. We need to think of it as turning a dial. We slowly turn up the dial on our economy until we get back to our normal lives. It needs to be slow and gradual.
Another reason we’re doing this is because we can’t overwhelm our healthcare workers and our healthcare system. The state is struggling to get the needed supplies for our medical facilities and professionals. We need to make sure that our healthcare workers and facilities can take care of us if we get sick. Another thing to keep in mind, is that we are doing this to protect those at greater risk. We’re protecting those with cancer, those with weakened immune systems and the elderly. It should also be noted that should these methods prove to be effective, the state could see some of the restrictions lifted earlier. Just because the order has been issued until May 26th doesn’t mean it will stay until that time. It could be lifted beforehand if virus cases decrease exponentially, testing is readily available and other health measures are put in place.
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.
Finally, as we continue to mention, people need to continue to take this seriously. This falls on all of us. The methods are working. We just need to keep following the guidance of the CDC and the state so we can get Wisconsin back open for business and get things back to normal. We must put aside petty politics and work together. This is a trying time, but we will get through it with the right mindset and if we work together and help each other along during these difficult times. 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, stay calm, take care, buy your groceries one week at a time and continue to follow health expert guidelines.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.