Portage Co. reports fifth confirmed case of COVID-19

By Brandi Makuski

The Portage Co. Health Department on Wednesday reported a fifth confirmed case of coronavirus.

No details about the patient have been provided but in an April 29 morning press release, the health dept. said the patient was in isolation.

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

The county reported its first case of COVID-19 on March 24, and its fourth case on April 6. Health Officer Gary Garske said all four our those patients had recovered.

The county has not released any details about any of the patients, or how or when they became infected.

Garske’s office released the following statement:

“It is more important than ever that individuals do not go into public places for anything but the
essentials—such as groceries, medicine, gas, and other items needed to maintain a safe home. Shopping trips should be limited to once per week or less and should be done by only one person in the household; entire families should not be out shopping together (if practical). Individuals should also limit their time inside stores, practice social distancing (by maintaining 6 feet or more from other people), and hand wash/sanitize after shopping. Essential travel includes leaving home only to: purchase essential supplies; seek health care; purchase medical supplies or prescriptions; travel to an essential workplace; or travel to care for a child, dependent, or elderly person.”