Portage Co. confirms third case of COVID-19

Metro Wire Staff

Portage County Health and Human Services-Division of Public Health on Thursday that a third resident in Portage Co. has coronavirus.

The second case was confirmed Tuesday morning, following the county’s first confirmed case of COVID-19 on March 25.

All three individuals are in isolation, according to a news release from the health dept. but no further details about any of the individuals have been released.

“County health officials are working to determine how the person may have become infected and is contacting individuals with whom the patient had close contact with,” a news release from the health dept. reads in part.

The department went on to “strongly advise” community members follow Gov. Tony Evers’ Safer At Home order and stay at home as much as possible, and continue to practice proper hygiene to avoid getting sick, including:

• Frequent and thorough handwashing for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
• Covering coughs and sneezes.
• Avoiding touching your face.
• Staying home when sick.
• Practicing social distancing
• Avoiding gatherings where more than 10 people are in attendance.

“Following the Safer At Home order can help save lives of the most vulnerable in our community,” said Gary Garske, county health officer, in a statement.