Richland Center, WI:  A virtual Emergency Operations Center meeting was held again this morning to share information between Richland County officials and community partners in a joint response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Public Health Manager/Local Health Officer, Rose Kohout announced that as of 2:00pm Wednesday, April 29th the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) confirmed that in the state of Wisconsin there were 6,520 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 66,630 have tested negative, there were 308 deaths, and 1,489 hospitalizations due to COVID-19.  Of those that tested positive for COVID-19 in the state of Wisconsin, 23% have been hospitalized.  There are 12 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Richland County, 245 have tested negative, and there have been 2 deaths as a result of COVID-19 at this time.

The Richland Hospital Coronavirus Hotline remains available 24 hours a day 7 days a week and patients are still being instructed to call (608) 604-9953 BEFORE coming to the hospital.  The Richland Hospital continues to offer their “Respiratory Illness Evaluation” drive-thru service from 8am-Noon 7 days a week and COVID-19 testing is being offered to anyone displaying symptoms.  It was noted that the Richland Hospital continues preparations for reopening their facilities sometime in May.

The Southwest Partners “COVID Caring Cash” Program was discussed noting that the intention of the effort is to stimulate local area businesses during this pandemic.  Sponsors of the program have donated cash as a matching gift to cards that have a $5.00 value.  If an individual purchases $25.00 in cards, the sponsors have made $10.00 additional cards available as a free gift and thank you for helping to encourage and keep our local businesses going.  COVID Caring Cash cards expire 9/1/2020 and can be purchased at the drive-thru’s of the Richland County Bank, People’s Community Bank, and WCCU Credit Union.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville/Richland, Richland School District, and Ithaca School District noted that they all continue planning for graduation, summer school, the return of personal property to the students, and the return of equipment or materials to the school.

Richland County Community Partners shared the status of their individual organization’s emergency response, reviewed staffing and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) needs and local inventory, and discussed priority topics to support the community through the recovery process.  Details on the Badger Bounce Back plan can be found at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p02653a.pdf.

If you have a COVID-19 question that you want our community partners to answer, please call Richland County Health & Human Services at 608-647-8821 and submit your question to the receptionist or email the question to rchhs@co.richland.wi.us.  Citizens are encouraged to check out the Richland County COVID-19 Dashboard which offers helpful data to better understand the impact of the pandemic globally and locally:  https://covid.co.richland.wi.us/2020/04/21/richland-county-covid-19-dashboard/.  For the most up-to-date COVID-19 information, follow Richland County Health & Human Services on Facebook or consult the following websites:

 

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