Brown County officials urge community to wear face masks

MONDAY 6/29/2020 3:14 p.m.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – Brown County officials are urging the community to wear face masks and practice other safety measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

During their first COVID-19 media briefing in a month, Brown County Public Health Officer Anna Destree and County Executive Troy Streckenbach reinforced the message.

Claire Paprocki, Brown County Public Health Public Information Officer, confirmed the county’s COVID-19 case total has reached 2,857. There are 14 Brown County residents hospitalized due coronavirus-related complications while 2,544 are no longer in isolation. The county’s COVID-19 fatality rate has reached 42 after three new deaths were confirmed:

29-year-old woman from 54301
63-year-old woman from 54304
87-year-old woman from 54162

Streckenbach emphasized the importance of personal responsibility, like wearing a mask in public, washing your hands, and staying home if you feel ill. He went on to say that if a facility or location is connected to an increase in cases, Destree could provide guidance such as mandating the use of masks to slow the spread. In terms of imposing widespread rules, David Henry, legal counsel for the county, the actions that could be taken are dependent on a case by case basis.

Destree says individual facilities enacting policy and requirements to ensure the safety of customers and employees “go a long way with reducing the rate” of spreading the virus.

Multiple businesses within Brown County have already had to temporarily close due to an employee testing positive or employees potentially being exposed to COVID-19. Stadium View Sports Bar & Grill is the latest to temporarily close to allow for deep cleaning after an employee tested positive.

Brown County makes up about 10 percent of Wisconsin’s cumulative COVID-19 case count and about 5 percent of the state’s COVID-19 deaths. The county has the second-highest case count, trailing Milwaukee County and the fourth-highest death toll behind Kenosha County.

Eight new COVID-19 cases confirmed between Brown County, Oneida Nation

FRIDAY 5/29/2020 12:07 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – Eight new coronavirus cases have been confirmed within the Brown County area – three in Brown County, five in Oneida Nation.

In a Friday update, Brown County Public Health officials confirmed Brown County’s coronavirus case total has reached 2,284 while Oneida Nation is now at 45 total cases. Twenty-five area residents are hospitalized with COVID-19 related complications while 36 residents have died after testing positive for the virus. In total, 791 residents are no longer in isolation.

Three additional COVID-19 deaths reported in Brown County

THURSDAY 5/28/2020 12:24 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – Three additional Brown County residents have died after testing positive for coronavirus, according to Brown County health officials.

During a Thursday update, Brown County Public Health Public Information Officer Claire Paprocki confirmed the latest COVID-19 deaths: a 56-year-old man, a 92-year-old woman, and a 59-year-old man. This brings Brown County’s COVID-19 death toll to 36.

Paprocki also announced 15 new cases in Brown County, bringing its case total to 2,281. Oneida Nation reported one new case, bringing its confirmed case total to 40. A total of 26 Brown County residents are hospitalized due to COVID-19 complications, down from 29 on Wednesday. Two additional residents are no longer in isolation, bringing the county’s out-of-isolation total to 792.

Over 30 new COVID-19 cases reported in Brown County since Tuesday

WEDNESDAY 5/27/2020 12:15 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – A total of 35 new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed since Tuesday – 33 in Brown County, two in Oneida Nation – according to a Wednesday update.

Brown County Public Health says the latest cases bring Brown County’s coronavirus case total to 2,266, up from 2,233 on Tuesday and Oneida Nation’s case total from 37 on Tuesday to 39 today. There are now 790 area residents no longer in isolation, up from 775 on Tuesday. No new coronavirus-related deaths have been reported in the area and the number of hospitalizations holds steady at 29.

Brown County makes up about 14 percent of Wisconsin’s total coronavirus cases.

One new death, 50 new COVID-19 cases reported in Brown County

TUESDAY 5/26/2020 12:04 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – Another Brown County resident who tested positive for coronavirus has died, according to public health officials.

During a Tuesday update, Brown County Public Health Public Information Officer Claire Paprocki confirmed 45 new positive cases within Brown County, bringing its case total to 2,233. Oneida Nation reported five new cases since Friday, bringing its total to 37.

Paprocki says there are currently 29 residents hospitalized due to coronavirus-related complications. A total of 775 residents are no longer in isolation.

The latest Brown County resident to die from coronavirus-related complications, an 83-year-old man from the 54302 zip code, is the county’s 33rd virus-related death.

On Friday, the last day for free community testing in Brown County, 470 tests were conducted at the Resch Center and 211 were done at Casa ALBA. Over three weeks of community testing, Paprocki says 12,928 free coronavirus tests were conducted in Brown County.

While community testing is no longer available in Brown County, Prevea Health announced last week that it would offer free coronavirus testing to Northeast Wisconsin residents experiencing any symptoms of the virus at three locations.

One new COVID-19 death, 27 new cases reported as Brown County sees downward slope of positive cases

FRIDAY 5/22/2020 12:25 p.m.

BROWN CO., Wis. (WFRV) – An 89-year-old Pulaski woman is Brown County’s 32nd resident who tested positive for coronavirus that has died, according to public health officials.

In a Friday update, Brown County Public Health Public Information Officer Claire Paprocki confirmed 27 new positive cases of coronavirus within Brown County, bringing the case total to 2,188. Oneida Nation reported no new cases of coronavirus Friday, holding its case total at 32.

Paprocki says 28 Brown County residents are hospitalized with coronavirus related complications, up from 27 on Thursday. A total of 768 residents are no longer in isolation.

On Thursday, 188 coronavirus tests were conducted at Casa ALBA while 460 were conducted at the Resch Center. In total, 12,247 total coronavirus tests have been conducted between the two community testing sites since the Resch Cener first opened.

Dr. Ashok Rai of Prevea Health says that over the previous 14 days, Brown County has seen a decrease in positive test results. He explains that the downward slope has been consistent. Between Casa ALBA and the Resch Center testing sites, about 4 percent of the tests conducted have been positive. Of the asymptomatic patients that were tested, about 1.6 percent received positive results.

Beginning Monday, any Brown County residents interested in being tested for coronavirus are asked to reach out to their health care provider or visit the NEW Community Clinic.

Another Brown County coronavirus patient dies, over 800 tests completed on Wednesday

THURSDAY 5/21/2020 11:51 a.m.

BROWN CO., Wis. (WFRV) – An additional Brown County resident who tested positive for coronavirus has died, according to public health officials.

In a Thursday release, Brown County Public Health confirmed the county’s 31st coronavirus-related death – a 90-year-old man from Ashwaubenon.

In addition, Brown County Public Health confirmed 43 new positive cases of the virus within Brown County, bringing the county total to 2,161. Oneida Nation reported two new cases, bringing its total to 32. Between Brown County and Oneida Nation, 27 residents are hospitalized due to coronavirus-related complications. There are now 768 residents out of isolation, up from 374 on Wednesday.

On Thursday, 537 coronavirus tests were conducted at the Resch Center while 283 were conducted at Casa ALBA. In total, 11,599 free coronavirus tests have been conducted between the two testing sites.

Community testing at the Resch and Casa ALBA are scheduled to end on Friday.

Four more Brown County residents die from COVID-19 complications

WEDNESDAY 5/20/2020 12:01 p.m.

BROWN CO., Wis. (WFRV) – Four new deaths and 17 new confirmed cases of coronavirus were confirmed within Brown County and Oneida Nation on Wednesday.

According to Claire Paprocki, Brown County Public Health Public Information Officer, the four new deaths in residents who tested positive for coronavirus include:

72-year-old man from 54162
55-year-old woman from 54304
60-year-old man from 54303
70-year-old woman from 54208

This brings the total coronavirus-related death toll to 30. Paprocki also confirmed 15 new positive cases in Brown County, bringing its total to 2,118, and 2 new cases in Oneida Nation, bringing its total to 30. In total, 27 residents are hospitalized due to coronavirus-related complications, down from 29 on Tuesday, and 374 residents are no longer in isolation, up from 373.

On Tuesday, 554 tests were conducted at the Resch Center and 448 were conducted at Casa ALBA Melanie. In total, 10,779 free community tests have been conducted between the Resch Center and Casa ALBA.

Brown County COVID-19 case total exceeds 2,100

TUESDAY 5/19/2020 12:01 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – Seventeen additional positive cases of coronavirus have been confirmed between Brown County and Oneida Nation.

In a Tuesday update, Brown County Public Health confirmed 15 new cases in Brown County, bringing its case total to 2,103. Oneida Nation reported 2 new cases, bringing its total to 28. As of Tuesday, 29 area residents are hospitalized due to coronavirus-related complications, down from 30 on Monday. There are now 373 individuals out of isolation, up from 364 on Tuesday.

While the Casa ALBA testing site was closed Monday due to inclement weather, 615 coronavirus tests were conducted at the Resch Center. In total, 9,777 free coronavirus tests have been conducted in Brown County since the Resch Center site first opened.

Five more coronavirus deaths reported in Brown County

MONDAY 5/18/2020 12:03 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – Five additional Brown County residents that tested positive for coronavirus have died over the weekend as the county’s case total nears 2,100.

During a Monday briefing, Brown County Public Health Public Information Officer Claire Paprocki provided limited details on the five new deaths, bringing the county total to 26:

92-year-old man from 54162
89-year-old man from 54162
63-year-old man from 54311
66-year-old woman from 54301
60-year-old man from 54301

In addition to the coronavirus-related deaths, Paprocki confirmed 67 new positive cases of coronavirus within Brown County since Friday, bringing its case total to 2,088. She also confirmed three new cases of coronavirus in Oneida Nation, bringing its case total to 26.

Paprocki says 30 Brown County residents are hospitalized due to coronavirus-related complications. A total of 364 residents are no longer in isolation.

Over the weekend, 267coronavirus tests were conducted at the Resch Center while 295 were conducted at the Casa ALBA location. Paprocki says a total of 9,152 free coronavirus tests have been conducted at both locations since the Resch Center first became a testing facility.

Brown County residents are encouraged to be tested at either the Resch Center and Casa ALBA. While Casa ALBA is closed Monday due to inclement weather, officials say community testing will be open through May 22. To register for a time slot to be tested, visit stayhealthybc.com or call 211.

Over 30 new coronavirus cases confirmed in Brown County, community testing total exceeds 7,300

FRIDAY 5/15/2020 12:00 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – Over 30 new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Brown County since Thursday.

In a Friday release, public health officials reported 33 new cases in Brown County, bringing the county’s case total to 2,021. One new confirmed case was reported in Oneida Nation, bring its case total to 23. Officials say 39 Brown County residents and one Oneida Nation resident are hospitalized due to coronavirus-related complications.

A total of 363 area residents – 351 from Brown County and 12 from Oneida Nation – are no longer in isolation.

According to Brown County Public Health, 1,258 tests were conducted within the county on Thursday – 630 at the Resch Center, 628 at Casa ALBA.

Brown County’s case total makes up about 17 percent of Wisconsin’s total cases.

One new death, 17 new cases reported in Brown County

THURSDAY 5/14/2020 1:16 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – Seventeen new positive coronavirus cases and one new coronavirus-related death have been reported in Brown County.

During a Thursday briefing, Brown County Public Health Public Information Officer Claire Paprocki announced the county’s confirmed case total has reached 1,988, up from 1,971 on Wednesday. Oneida Nation reported no new cases, keeping their confirmed case total at 22. A total of 45 Brown County residents are hospitalized due to coronavirus-related complications while 363 are no longer in isolation for the virus.

Paprocki says the county saw one new death in an individual who tested positive for the virus since Wednesday – a 68-year-old man in the 54162 zip code. This brings the county’s total to 21.

During the briefing, Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach encouraged residents to take advantage of the county’s community testing facilities at the Resch Center and Casa ALBA. Both facilities will be open through May 22. To register for a time slot to be tested, visit stayhealthybc.com or call 211.

12 new confirmed cases of coronavirus reported as Brown County testing continues

WEDNESDAY 5/13/2020 12:01 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – As community coronavirus testing remains a major focus within Brown County, only 12 confirmed cases have been reported since Tuesday. This is one of the lowest one-day case increases the county has seen this month.

During a Wednesday briefing, Brown County Public Health Public Information Officer Claire Paprocki announced that Brown County’s confirmed case total is now at 1,971, up from 1,959 on Tuesday. Oneida Nation reported no new cases since Tuesday, holding at 22 confirmed cases.

As of Wednesday, 45 Brown County residents are hospitalized after testing positive for coronavirus, up from 42 on Tuesday. Ten more Brown County residents are no longer in isolation, bringing the county’s total out-of-isolation cases to 357. Paprocki reported no new deaths in Brown County residents who have tested positive for coronavirus.

Paprocki shared that 761 coronavirus tests were conducted at the community testing locations within the county – 464 at the Resch Center and 297 at Casa ALBA. In total, 4,946 tests have been conducted at the community testing facilities.

Community testing is now open to any and all residents, regardless of whether they are showing symptoms. To register for a time slot for testing at the Resch Center or Casa ALBA, visit stayhealthybc.com or call 211.

Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach encouraged county residents to continue utilizing the community testing facilities as they remain open through May 22.

Coronavirus testing opening to all Brown County resident

TUESDAY 5/12/2020 12:01 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – Two more Brown County residents who had tested positive for coronavirus have died, according to Brown County Public Health. There have now been more than 1,950 confirmed cases of coronavirus within Brown County.

According to Claire Paprocki, Public Information Officer for Brown County Public Health, there have been 1,959 cases confirmed within Brown County, up from 1,911 on Monday. Oneida Nation reported no new cases on Tuesday, holding steady at 22 total cases. A total of 42 Brown County residents are hospitalized due to coronavirus-related complications while 347 residents are no longer in isolation.

Paprocki also reported two new deaths – a 85-year-old man in the 54162 zip code and a 65-year-old man in the 54304 zip code. The latest deaths bring the county total to 20.

On Monday, Paprocki says 489 tests were conducted at the Resch Center while 375 were conducted at Casa ALBA. In total, 4,185 tests have been conducted at both public testing facilities.

The testing facilities at the Resch Center and Casa ALBA were originally set to close on Saturday, May 16. During a Tuesday briefing, Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach announced that the facilities would remain open through Friday, May 22. In addition, Streckenbach says any Brown County resident interested in being tested – whether they are showing symptoms or not – is invited to register for a time slot at stayhealthybc.com or by calling 211 to be tested starting Wednesday.

Five more deaths, over 100 new coronavirus cases confirmed in Brown County

MONDAY 5/11/2020 12:01 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY Wis. (WFRV) – Five new deaths and over 110 new confirmed positive cases of coronavirus have been confirmed within Brown County since Friday, according to county health officials.

During a Monday briefing, Brown County Public Health Officer Claire Paprocki announced 112 new confirmed cases within the county, bringing the confirmed total to 1,911. Oneida Nation reported 4 new cases since Friday, bring its case total to 22.

Paprocki confirmed five more Brown County residents who tested positive for coronavirus have died:

97-year-old man from 54313
92-year-old man from 54304
76-year-old woman from 54162
62-year-old man from 54162
77-year-old man from 54304

The latest deaths bring the county total to 18 coronavirus-related deaths.

On Saturday, Paprocki says 165 tests were conducted at the Resch Center while 110 were conducted at Casa ALBA. In total, 3,321 coronavirus tests have been conducted at these public testing facilities. Over the weekend, Brown County officials opened up the free testing to any essential workers within the county.

Among Brown County’s total cases, 40 residents are hospitalized due to coronavirus-related complications while 283 are no longer in isolation. Brown County’s confirmed cases make up about 18 percent of Wisconsin’s total case count.

One new death, over 90 new cases reported in Brown County

FRIDAY 5/8/2020 12:04 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – A 13th Brown County resident who had tested positive for coronavirus has died, according to Brown County Public Health, as the confirmed case total for the county continues to rise.

During a Friday briefing, Brown County Public Health Public Information Officer Claire Paprocki confirmed 95 new cases since Thursday, bringing the county’s case total to 1,799. Oneida Nation reported a new positive case of the virus, bringing their total to 18. Paprocki says 40 county residents are currently hospitalized for coronavirus-related complications. Despite this, 264 county residents are no longer in isolation.

The county’s most recent virus-related death was a 69-year-old woman in the 54304 zip code.

On Thursday, Paprocki says the Resch Center conducted 216 tests while 168 test were conducted at the Casa ALBA testing location. In total, 2,713 coronavirus tests have been conducted at both locations since last week.

Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach again encouraged Brown County residents who are experiencing one or more symptom of coronavirus to register for an time slot to be tested at either the Resch Center or Casa ALBA. To register for a appointment, visit stayhealthybc.com or call 211. The community testing facilities are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays until May 16.

Brown County coronavirus-related deaths reach 12

THURSDAY 5/7/2020 12:00 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – Brown County health officials say 250 coronavirus tests were conducted Wednesday at community testing facilities at the Resch Center and Casa ALBA. Amid the increased testing, 69 new cases have been comnfirmed within Brown County.

During Thursday’s briefing, Brown County Public Health Public Information Officer Claire Paprocki says there have now been 1,704 cases of coronavirus confirmed within the county, up from 1,635 on Wednesday. Oneida Nation has now confirmed 17 total cases, up from 14 on Wednesday. Paprocki confirmed a 12th coronavirus-related death in a 86-year-old man from Pulaski.

On Wednesday, 243 coronavirus tests were conducted at the Resch Center testing facility while 207 were conducted at the Casa ALBA location. In total, 2,122 tests have been conducted at the Resch Center since last week.

In total, Brown County has seen 259 residents leave isolation and recover from the virus. Paprocki says 44 county residents are currently hospitalized due to coronavirus-related complications.

Paprocki, as well as Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach, encouraged any and all Brown County residents experiencing at least one symptom to register for a timeslot to be tested at either the Resch Center or Casa ALBA. To register to be tested, visit stayhealthybc.com or call 211.

Green Bay Mayor joined the Thursday briefing, saying that he’s proud of what the area has done to slow the spread. He adds that while he believes the state has made progress in flattening the curve of the virus, the Brown County area has yet to reach that point.

Nearly 100 new cases of coronavirus reported in Brown County

WEDNESDAY 5/6/2020 12:00 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – Amid increased testing – including a new community testing facility at Casa ALBA – and increasing confirmed coronavirus cases, Brown County Troy Streckenbach says he’s proud of the progress the county has made in getting a grasp on the virus within the county.

During a Wednesday briefing, Brown County Public Health Public Information Officer Claire Paprocki provided updated case totals for the county. There have now been 1,635 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Brown County, up from 1,540 from Tuesday. Oneida Nation is reporting two new cases since Tuesday, bring its total to 14 confirmed cases. Of the nearly 1,650 cases in the area, 42 are hospitalized while 250 residents are no longer in isolation. There are no new deaths reported in the county.

On Tuesday, 382 tests were conducted at the Resch Center. Since last week, 1,879 tests have been conducted at that location.

Paprocki says that of the county’s total cases, 39 percent are connected to meatpacking facilities. Despite this, she encourages the community to remember that coronavirus is not facility-specific – community spread has been detected within Brown County. Paprocki went on to encourage the community to continue adhering to the Safer at Home order and wearing face masks when out in public.

Captain Joe Trovato of the Wisconsin National Guard says there are two teams of citizen-soldiers assisting with testing at both the Resch Center and Casa ALBA. Testing takes about three minutes per patient at both facilities and relies on a nasal swab that is less invasive than tests were early on.

Streckenbach says that weather concerns, including last week’s flooding, actually changed intial plans for a community testing facility. An east side location was preparing to open for Brown County, but officials ultimately decided on the Resch Center to begin indoor testing.

Officials say they hope about 400 coronavirus tests can be conducted each day at Casa ALBA.

“We’re an adaptable source,” Capt. Trovato said during the briefing. He adds that while the PPE National Guard citizen-soldiers are using may seem a bit extreme, it is Army-issued – meaning their teams are not tapping into PPE being used by healthcare workers and first responders.

“All of us want to get back to a sense of normalcy,” Streckenbach commented during the briefing. He went on to explain that by adhering to the Safer at Home order and wearing masks when going out in public will allow us to return to some sort of normalcy within the state.

Liz Benecke from Wisconsin Face Mask Warriors says volunteers in Zone 4 are nearing a crucial milestone of providing 250,000 homemade masks for those in need. Currently, 229,832 masks have been provided to those in need. The group hopes to hit the 25,000 masks by Sunday.

Despite this, Benecke says they need supplies after having tapped out local suppliers. To assist the Wisconsin Face Mask Warriors, visit them on Facebook.

Five new coronavirus-related death reported in Brown County, case total passes 1,500

TUESDAY 5/5/2020 12:00 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – Five new coronavirus-related deaths have been reported in Brown County – the youngest being a 29-year-old woman.

Claire Paprocki, public information officer with Brown County Public Health, says the five new deaths bring the county’s total to 11. Here is the availlable information for the county’s most recent deaths:

29-year-old woman in 54311 with underlying health conditions
52-year-old man in 54303
96-year-old woman in 54304
96-year-old man in 54162
50-year-old woman in 54311

Paprocki confirmed 99 new confirmed cases of coronavirus in Brown County, bringing the total to 1,540. Oneida Nation has not reported any new cases since Monday, holding steady at 12. There are now 43 Brown County residents hospitalized for coronavirus-related complications, up two from Monday. In the county, 178 residents are no longer in isolation, up six from yesterday.

On Monday, 427 tests were conducted at the Resch Center. Since the testing site opened last week, 1,497 tests have been conducted. Paprocki says about 43 tests an hour were completed on Monday.

Paprocki was joined by Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach and Chris Woleske, President and CEO and Bellin Health, on Tuesday’s briefing.

Streckenbach announced Green Bay’s second community testing facility will open Wednesday at Casa ALBA, located at 314 S. Madison Street in the downtown area. This location will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday – just like the testing facility at the Resch Center.

He added that testing at the Resch Center has been going smoothly and expectations, like number of residents tested, are being met.

Brown County residents or those working within the community are welcome to be tested at either facility. Paprocki says individuals must have at least one symptom and register for a time slot on stayhealthybc.com or by calling 211 to qualify for testing.

Both Casa ALBA and the Resch Center will accept walk-up patients, but they must still register for a time slot. Translators will be available at both locations.

“I protect you, you protect me,” Woleske said while emphasizing the importance for residents to wear masks while in public. She went on to say that Bellin feels confident that they are able to remain open and provide services to the community.

Sixth coronavirus-related death reported in Brown County, case total exceeds 1,400

MONDAY 5/4/2020 10:34 a.m

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – Less than 300 new cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Brown County on Monday morning following an increase in testing within the community.

Claire Paprocki confirmed 278 new cases within Brown County from Friday, bringing the county total up from 1,163 on Friday to 1,441 positive cases on Monday. There are now 12 confirmed cases in Oneida Nation, up from 8 on Friday. Forty-one Brown County residents are hospitalized due to coronavirus-related complications while 172 are no longer in isolation.

Brown County health officials are now reporting 6 total coronavirus-related deaths – the latestest being a 43-year-old man from the 54302 zip code.

Community testing is now available at the Resch Center for Brown County residents and individuals that work within the county, regardless of what county they live in. Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach says that officials are now looking to open a community testing location on Green Bay’s east side. Details about this location are not available as of Monday morning.

Streckenbach extended his gratitude to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Governor Tony Evers, and the Wisconsin National Guard for their assistance in providing community testing.

Anna Destree, Brown County Public Health Officer, says the goal is to provide community testing through May 16. On May 17, health officials hope to see coronavirus testing return to healthcare providers referring patients for testing.

Those who live in or work in Brown County and are experiencing coronavirus symptoms are encouraged to visit stayhealthybc.com to register for a time slot to be tested at the Resch Center. Coronavirus symptoms outlined by Destree include:

A fever of 104 degrees or higher
Subjective fever, like feeling warmer than normal
Cough
Shortness of breath
Headache
Shaking or shivering
Body aches
Sore throat
New lost of taste or smell

Health officials say testing at the Resch Center is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Destree says the testing facility at the Resch can test about 45 people an hour. Those who are tested at the Resch can expect their results in 5 to 7 days.

Destree explains that those interested in being tested must reserve a time slot before going to the Resch Center. If a person is symptomatic, health officals ask that that person remains at home, except for being tested for the virus or receiving care at a healthcare facility.

A phone number to reserve a testing time at the Resch will be announced by the end of the day on Monday.

Related: Resch Center becoming community coronavirus testing site for Brown County

Destree says that the goal of community testing is to locate areas within the community that may be seeing more tests in order to focus health officials’ efforts to combat the coronavirus.

She adds that while the county’s case numbers are increasing due to increased testing, it also shows there is community spread within Brown County. During contact tracing, if health officials are unable to pinpoint an exact location where the patient was exposed, officials attribute their diagnosis to community spread. Destree explains that the only way to slow the spread is to “stay home and ride it out.”

Two more coronavirus-related deaths reported in Brown County, case total passes 1,100

FRIDAY 5/1/2020 12:05 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – Over 100 new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Brown County as well as 2 more coronavirus-related deaths during a Friday briefing.

Claire Paprocki with Brown County Public Health says there are now 1,163 confirmed cases in Brown County, up 114 from Thursday. Oneida Nation is reporting no new cases, holding steady at 8 total cases.

A total of 38 Brown County residents are hospitalized due to coronavirus complications. Paprocki says 170 Brown County residents are now out isolation.

The two new deaths – a 51-year-old man and a 59-year-old woman – bring the Brown County case total to five virus-related deaths.

At JBS, 290 employees have tested positive for the virus and 58 cases have been linked to the facility. At American Foods Group, 203 employees have tested positive and 38 cases have been linked to the facility. Voluntary testing at both facilities ended this week.

Paprocki reports 241 coronavirus tests were conducted at the testing facility at the Resch Center for employees and families of employees from identified facilities, such as a long-term care facility, group housing facility, healthcare workers, and other non-healthcare related workplaces as outlined by DHS. Despite previous reports that those getting tested at the Resch Center required a doctor’s note, Paprocki says that is not the case.

Testing will continue at the Resch Center through the weekend for employees and families at the outlined facilities.

Coronavirus testing facility to open at Resch Center as Brown County case total exceeds 1,000

THURSDAY 4/30/2020 12:05 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – A company-affiliated testing facility will open on Thursday at the Resch Center in conjunction with the Wisconsin National Guard and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, according to Brown County Public Health.

Claire Paprocki with Brown County Public Health says the testing facility will be limited to employees working in critical infrastructures like long-term care facilities, group housing facilities, healthcare workers, and other non-healthcare related workplaces as outlined by DHS. In order to be tested, individuals would require a doctor’s order.

While the facility is not open for anyone to be tested, Paprocki explains that officials continue to work toward providing community testing.

Paprocki says the county had put in a request for additional supplies earlier to better equip those testing patients.

Due to increased testing, Paprocki reported 81 new cases of coronavirus within the county, bringing the total to 1,049. Oneida Nation reported a new case on Thursday, bringing its total case amount to 8. In Brown County, 142 residents are no longer in isolation while 40 remain hospitalized.

During Thursday’s briefing, Paprocki reported that 290 JBS employees have tested positive for coronavirus and 58 cases have been connected to the facility. At American Foods Group, 179 employees have tested positive and 32 cases have been connected to the facility.

Paprocki is encouraging the public to continue practicing social distancing and other guidelines like cleaning high-touch surfaces and wearing face coverings when out in public.

WEDNESDAY 4/29/2020 1:02 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – Over 50 new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Brown County.

Claire Paprocki with Brown County Health says a total of 968 cases have been confirmed in Brown County, up from 913 on Tuesday. Oneida Nation continues to report seven total cases. On Tuesday, Brown County confirmed a third coronavirus-related death – a 67-year-old man.

According to Paprocki, Brown County is reporting coronavirus-related deaths based on Wisconsin Department of Health Services guidelines – if a person has tested positive for coronavirus and dies, their death will be attributed to the coronavirus.

Within Brown Coutny, 37 residents are hospitalized for coronavirus-related complications while 140 are no longer in isolation.

Paprocki says 262 total JBS employees have tested positive for coronavirus while 86 cases have been linked to the facility – meaning a family or household member living with a JBS employee. At American Foods Group, 170 employees have tested positive and 27 cases have been linked to the facility.

On Wednesday, Salm Partners confirmed 35 positive cases of the virus following voluntary employee testing.

Following President Donald Trump’s Executive Order on Tuesday ordering meat plants to remain open, Paprocki says that as long as facilities within the county adhere to CDC and OSHA guidelines, health officials will continue to monitor conditions at facilities. If guidelines are not followed, Paprocki explains orders would be imposed that do not interfere with Pres. Trump’s Executive Order.

Civilian-soldiers with the Wisconsin National Guard will be assisting health officials in Brown County with testing residents, according to Paprocki. As Wisconsin adjutant general Maj. Gen. Paul Knapp explained on Tuesday, members of the National Guard are not assisting local officials in enforcing laws, they are focused only on assisting in health officials’ response to outbreaks.

Third coronavirus-related death reported in Brown County, case total passes 900

TUESDAY 4/28/2020 12:23 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – A third Brown County resident has died due to coronavirus-related complications. The county’s confirmed coronavirus case total has now surpassed 900.

During a Tuesday media briefing, Claire Paprocki with Brown County Public Health says there are now 913 confirmed cases in Brown County, up from 849 on Monday. Oneida Nation is still reporting 7 total cases. Of the county’s confirmed cases, 35 are hospitalized while over 30 are no longer in isolation.

Paprocki explains that the increase in cases are expected as county health officials have ramped up testing. She adds that an increase in testing will continue to occur. Brown County has requested about 2,500 additional testing kits from the state.

Related: Brown County uses contact tracing to try to control spread of COVID-19

Paprocki says 255 JBS employees have tested positive for coronavirus. A total of 79 cases have been connected to JBS – meaning a family or household member of a JBS employee has tested positive for the virus. At American Foods Group, 145 employees have tested positive for the virus and 7 cases have been linked to the facility.

Contact tracing continues to show community spread within the county. Paprocki emphasized the importance of social distancing, remaining home when feeling ill, and continuing to clean frequently touched surfaces.

DHS and the CDC continue to assist county health officials in getting a grasp on the spread of the virus in Brown County.

Brown County cases now make up about 15 percent of Wisconsin’s 6,081 positive cases confirmed on Monday.

Over 800 coronavirus cases confirmed in Brown County following ‘aggressive testing’

MONDAY 4/27/2020 12:35 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – Over 800 total cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Brown County. Health officials say the growing number of cases is largely attributed to increased, aggressive testing at JBS, American Foods Group, and Salm Partners as well as throughout the county.

Claire Paprocki of Brown County Public Health says 849 total positive cases have been confirmed in Brown County – up from 618 on Friday. Seven total cases have been confirmed in Oneida Nation, up from six on Friday. Of those positive cases, 25 are hospitalized while 35 are now out of isolation.

Since testing began at JBS, American Foods Group, and Salm Partners, Brown County Health has been able to provide the number of employees who have tested positive, as well as household members of employees who have tested positive. After seeing an increase of over 200 cases since Friday, Paprocki says an exact breakdown of the cases connected to either of the three facilities is not available as of Monday.

Paprocki was able to provide how many total employees from each facility have tested positive for coronavirus:

JBS: 225
American Foods Group: 130
Salm Partners: 17

Paprocki went on to say the increase of cases within the county cannot be attributed to just one facility. She says that all of the facilities have been following the necessary guidelines to ensure the safety of employees. Officials with the CDC, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and Brown County Public Health toured the facilities last week.

When asked why JBS made the decision to close its Green Bay facility – rather than Brown County Public Health making the decision – Paprocki says the health department is and has been “in constant contact” with JBS and state and federal officials investigating the coronavirus outbreak in Brown County.

Paprocki went on to explain that until the outbreak is under control, physical and social distancing remains crucial.

When asked if language barriers contributed to an increase of cases, Paprocki says that each individual living within Brown County has a responsibility to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

“You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink,” Paprocki said. She went on to explain that the increase in cases within the county is likely connected to individuals who are not adhering to social distancing guidelines and the Safer At Home order. Paprocki adds that it doesn’t take just mass gatherings to cause the coronavirus to spread – just one or two people can quickly multiply the case numbers.

Paprocki says contact tracing shows no outbreaks or clusters of cases are connected to the April 7 election.

Brown County coronavirus case total surpasses 600, officials determine facilities can remain open

FRIDAY 4/24/2020 2:04 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – Brown County Health says there are now over 600 confirmed cases of coronavirus within the county following increased testing at facilities within the county.

As of Friday, 618 positive cases have been confirmed in Brown County, up from 511 on Thursday. Oneida Nation continues to report 6 total confirmed cases. Within Brown County, 23 residents are hospitalized due to complications related to coronavirus while 35 residents are no longer in isolation. There are still 4 out-of-county residents hospitalized in Brown County.

Claire Paprocki from Brown County Health says no new cases have been connected to JBS, meaning only 189 cases have been connected to the facility while Salm Partners continues to report 23 confirmed cases connected to its facility. American Foods Group, following increased and more aggressive testing, is now reporting 75 positive cases connected to its facility, up from 39 on Thursday.

Paprocki says officials are predicting the case count will continue to climb due to aggressive and intensified testing within the county.

She adds that after local and federal officials toured JBS, American Foods Group, and Salm Partners, it was determined that all three facilities are adhering to necessary guidelines to slow the spread. Paprocki explains that facilities are reporting fewer employees showing up to work with symptoms.

Brown County Health is continuing to encourage people to stay home except for once-weekly trips to the grocery store and traveling to work. Paprocki says that even one person not staying home can contribute to an increase in the county’s case total.

Brown County now makes up about 11 percent of Wisconsin’s 5,356 total confirmed coronavirus cases.

Over 500 confirmed coronavirus cases in Brown County, reason to believe some are related to Easter gatherings

THURSDAY 4/23/2020 12:08 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – Health officials in Brown County say they have reason to believe a spike in confirmed coronavirus case is correlated with the Easter holiday. According to Claire Paprocki, some Brown County residents who have tested positive said they had gathered with family on Easter.

As of Thursday, Brown County Public Health has confirmed 511 total coronavirus cases within the county, up from 410 on Wednesday. Oneida Nation is still reporting 6 total cases. Of Brown County’s confirmed cases, 22 residents are hospitalized due to coronavirus-related complications. There are still 4 out-of-county coronavirus patients hospitalized in Brown County. Thirty-five Brown County residents are no longer in isolation.

Health officials have connected 189 confirmed cases to JBS (up from 147 on Wednesday), 55 to American Foods Group (up from 39), and 23 to Salm Partners (up from 19). Paprocki says the county will continue to see a rising case count due to aggressive and increased testing.

Brown County health says they have not yet seen a correlation between confirmed cases and voting.

Paprocki adds that health officials have visited JBS and American Foods Group to better understand the situation at each facility. She says that Brown County Public can close facilities if they believed there was a threat to the public but, at this time, closing any facility is “not on the table right now.”

Paprocki is encouraging Brown County residents to continue practicing social distancing, only leave home for essential reasons, and to avoid gatherings of any size with people outside of your home.

Brown County coronavirus case total exceeds 400, over 140 connected to JBS

WEDNESDAY 4/22/2020 12:09 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – Brown County Public Health is encouraging residents to continue practicing social distancing after the county reported over 90 new confirmed cases of coronavirus since Tuesday.

Claire Paprocki says 410 cases have been confirmed in Brown County, up from 317 on Tuesday. Oneida Nation has added a new case, bringing its total to 6. There are now 34 Brown County residents who are no longer in isolation while 17 remain hospitalized.

A total of 147 cases in the county have been connected to JBS, while 39 are connected to American Foods and 19 are connected to Salm Partners. These cases stem back to when Brown County began seeing coronavirus cases, not just cases confirmed this week. Paprocki was unable to provide the number of employees at any facility, or how many people have been tested.

American Foods Group began testing employees Wednesday with its first-shift employees. JBS began testing earlier this week.

Paprocki says that if a decision was made to close any of these facilities, it would be made by the USDA and OSHA. She went on to say that these facilities have taken recommended steps to ensure their employee safety during the coronavirus pandemic.

Paprocki went on to highlight that, due to heightened testing measures, Brown County will likely continue to see an increasing case count as health officials work to “get ahead” of the cases.

Currently, Paprocki says no correlation has been made between Brown County cases and the April 7 election.

Second coronavirus-related death reported in Brown County, case total exceeds 300

TUESDAY 4/21/2020 12:05 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – A second Brown County resident has died due to coronavirus-related complications, according to Ted Shove, Environmental Health Manager with Brown County Health.

Shove says there is no further information regarding the death.

As of Tuesday, 317 total cases have been confirmed in Brown County. Five total cases have been confirmed in Oneida Nation. There are still four coronavirus patients from out of the county hospitalized within Brown County. A total of 30 residents are no longer in isolation, according to Shove, while 22 remain hospitalized.

Shove explains that the CDC is in Brown County and have provided public health officials with guidance regarding the rising case numbers.

Related: Brown County health officials link cluster of coronavirus cases to meat processing plants

Regarding JBS, Shove says employee testing has begun at the facility. Health officials say JBS is following the necessary guidelines.

When asked why JBS is still opening, Shove explains that it is a bit “preemptive in having the closure conversation” and officials want to be careful of preserving the supply chain.

At this time, Shove says there is no correlation between rising case numbers and voting earlier this month. Shove adds that more information regarding this can be expected later this week.

Shove is encouraging the public to adhere to Governor Tony Evers’ Safer At Home order.

JBS Green Bay facility connected to increase in Brown County coronavirus cases, CDC assisting in investigation

MONDAY 4/20/2020 1:05 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – Brown County Health is attributing a large cluster of confirmed cases in the county to JBS, a food processing company.

Ted Shove, Environmental Health Manager with Brown County Health, says the county is now at 292 confirmed coronavirus cases, up 119 since Friday.

JBS employees will now be offered voluntary testing, according to Shove. He adds that communal spaces in the facility, including the cafeteria-style break room, may be contributing factors to the influx of cases. Shove does go on to say that changes have been made in JBS, including staggering lunch breaks.

American Foods Group and Salm Partners, while they are not seeing the large increase in cases like JBS, are using the same process of employee testing and other proactive measures to combat the spread of coronavirus.

Salm Partners tells WFRV Local 5 that 10 full-time employees have tested positive for the virus in the last three weeks, but “none have been confirmed as contracting the virus while at work and these individuals have been on paid leave since they felt ill from symptoms.”

Under the Safer at Home order, JBS employees are considered essential. Shove said he was unsure of any changes to JBS’ operations, such as closing the facility.

The CDC will be assisting the county in contact tracing and investigating coronavirus in Brown County. Shove says they are hoping they can gather why facilities in this industry are seeing an increase in cases.

Last week, JBS told WFRV Local 5 it remains open and operating with “enhanced safety measures” despite concerns surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.

On Monday, JBS shared the following statement with WFRV Local 5:

The JBS Green Bay facility is operational.

JBS USA has had team members test positive for COVID-19 in some of our facilities. We are offering support to those team members and their families, and we hope they all make a full and speedy recovery. Out of respect for the families, we are not releasing further information.

The U.S. government has identified the food supply as a critical infrastructure industry and has stated we have a special responsibility to maintain normal work schedules on behalf of the nation. We take this responsibility seriously and are doing our best to safely provide food to the nation during a challenging time. We will endeavor to keep our facilities open, but we will not operate a facility if we do not believe it is safe or if absenteeism levels result in our inability to safely operate. The health and safety of our team members remains our number one priority.

We are mindful of the increasing number of facilities across the U.S. that have experienced decreased production or outright closure. The coronavirus pandemic has affected all of us, and we salute our team members who are working hard each day to continue to feed the country.

We have implemented a wide of range of measures at our facilities to combat coronavirus. Today, every JBS USA facility temperature checks 100% of the workforce before they enter a facility. We use hand-held thermometers and thermal imaging technology to screen every team member and immediately send sick team members home. We also provide and require face masks to be worn at all times on company property. No one is forced to come to work and no one is punished for being absent for health reasons.

In addition, the company has implemented the following measures:

Promoting physical distancing by staggering starts, shifts and breaks, and increasing spacing in cafeterias, break and locker rooms, including plexiglass dividers in key areas;
Increasing sanitation and disinfection efforts, including whole facility deep-cleaning every day;
Hiring dedicated staff whose only job is to continuously clean facilities, including common areas beyond the production floor;
Removing vulnerable populations from facilities, offering full pay and benefits;
Requiring sick team members to stay home from work;
Waiving short-term disability waiting periods;
Relaxing attendance policies so people don’t come to work sick;
Providing free 100% preventative care to all team members enrolled in the company’s health plan;
Offering free LiveHealth Online services for team members enrolled in the company’s health plan that allow for virtual doctor visits at no cost;
Educating and encouraging team members to practice social distancing at home and in the community outside of work; and
Restricting access to facilities and not allowing visitors.

Earlier Monday, Governor Tony Evers announced “2,200 test collection supplies and PPE are headed to Green Bay in response to an outbreak with significant risk potential to the community.”

Overall, Shove says there are now about 22 patients out of isolation in Brown County. Oneida Nation has still only seen 5 total confirmed cases. There are still 4 out of county residents hospitalized in Brown County.

‘Cluster of confirmed (coronavirus) cases’ being investigated in Brown County

FRIDAY 4/17/2020 3:00 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – Ted Shove, Environmental Health Manager with Brown County Health, says a cluster of positive coronavirus cases in the county is being investigated. However, Shove would not specify where.

The county says it anticipates additional resources to be provided to Brown County Public Health in direct response to the specific investigation.

Shove would not take questions from the media, saying only that more information is expected to be released Monday, April 20 at noon. Local 5 will update this story after that call concludes.

The county says there are 181 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Brown County and 5 in Oneida Nation, bringing the county total to 186.

County health officials say there has been no change in the number of out of isolation cases.

As of Friday afternoon, over 4,000 Wisconsinites have tested positive for coronavirus.

THURSDAY 4/16/2020 12:10 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – Brown County health officials have confirmed 150 total positive cases of coronavirus in the county as of Thursday afternoon.

According to Ted Shove, Environmental Health Manager with Brown County Health, there are 145 confirmed cases in Brown County and 5 in Oneida Nation. There are still 5 out-of-county transfer patients hospitalized in Brown County. A total of 1,317 Brown County residents have been tested for coronavirus and 158 are awaiting results.

Shove says 26 residents are no longer in isolation. He adds that the following zip codes are seeing the most cases: 54302, 54304, and 54311. For more data on Brown County cases, click here.

Shove adds that those living in areas with a greater case count don’t need to be more vigilant, but that everyone should continue practicing social distancing, staying home except for essential travel, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.

As of Wednesday afternoon, over 3,700 Wisconsinites have tested positive for coronavirus.

Brown County coronavirus case total passes 100

WEDNESDAY 4/15/2020 12:51 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – There are now more than 100 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Brown County, according to Ted Shove, Environmental Health Manager with Brown County Health.

As of Wednesday, 120 total cases have been confirmed in Brown County: 110 in Brown County, 5 in Oneida Nation, and 5 out-of-county transfers who are hospitalized in Brown County. A total of 25 patients are out of isolation – 22 from Brown County, three from Oneida Nation.

Shove went on to explain that because health officials are only allowed to release limited data – age, gender, and home zip code – about coronavirus patients. Because of these limitations, Brown County Health can neither confirm nor deny the identity of the facility which reportedly contributed to a large uptick in the county’s case count.

Shove explains that he believes if health officials release too much information, community members may become reluctant to participate in contact tracing and public health investigations. Further, Shove says information may be withheld to ensure affected individuals, or suspected affected individuals, from being discriminated against in any way.

Shove says Brown County’s large weekend uptick is not attributed to one area facility, despite previously reporting regarding a potential connection. Shove explains the investigation has not been completed on the patients included in the uptick.

Shove released the following statement during Wednesday’s briefing:

“I would like to start with a brief statement regarding information that went out yesterday countywide. There has been a recent uptick in confirmed cases. Confirmed cases were described yesterday by Area Command as coming from a ‘facility.’

“Yesterday Salm Partners in Denmark, part of the state’s critical infrastructure, proactively communicated with the media their knowledge of at least one confirmed case originating from their staff The timing and context of both of these statements appears to have been taken out of context and has caused some misguided discrimination toward Salm staff in the community, both in person and via social media.

“I would like to clarify a few things:

First, from a public health department’s perspective, a facility is not exclusive to a manufacturing, fast food, or even healthcare building, or even a specific industry.
Second, it has been and continues to be the stance of Area Command for the COVID-19 response to limit patient or confirmed case information to the following:
- Age
- Gender
- Zip code of residence

“We have tried to collect this data as quickly as possible and report it as accurately as possible during the past weeks in response to COVID-19

“We feel that Salm Partners has taken the COVID-19 situation and their employee’s safety very seriously. They have implemented controls aligned with Brown County Health and the CDC including temperature checks upon entering, wellness screens, face masks throughout the plant, building modifications, increased cleaning, and social distancing.

“In considering State DHS guidance, Area Command has determined, at this time that the public interest in maintaining the privacy of the identities and/or personally identifying information of public and private sector individuals is safeguarded for the following reasons:

To continue to encourage the public to cooperate with health investigations;
To prevent potential discrimination of public and/or private sector individuals, who may have contracted the disease, through no fault of their own; and
And to continue to ensure patient privacy laws and guidance including HIPAA and the American Public Health Association Code of Ethics.

“As many of you have heard from media sources across the globe, and even here at home from Governor Evers and his staff, the best safeguards we have to preventing the spread of COVID-19 is to:

Maintain social or physical distancing of at least six feet in all public places, especially with people not known to you, or that appear sick (i.e. coughing, shortness of breathe, or appear very weak);
Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds;
Clean and sanitize high touch surfaces in the spaces of your home that have the most human contact;
Periodically check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for new recommendations that can be done from home; and
And please, stay home if you feel sick AND also if you are well but are not considered an essential worker.”

Brown County’s large weekend uptick in coronavirus cases due to community spread at area facility

TUESDAY 4/14/2020 12:05 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – Brown County health officials have explained why the county saw an increase of more than 30 confirmed cases over the weekend.

During a media briefing on Tuesday, Claire Paprocki of Brown County Health says the uptick is due to community spread at a facility in the community, but because health officials continue to investigate, no further information is available.

As of Tuesday, Brown County has seen 100 confirmed cases of coronavirus – 95 in Brown County and 5 in Oneida Nation. Of those, 23 patients are no longer in isolation while 20 remain hospitalized. Five out-of-county transfers remain hospitalized in Brown County.

On Monday, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services confirmed over 3,400 cases of coronavirus in the state.

Over 80 coronavirus cases confirmed in the Brown County area, 22 hospitalized

MONDAY 4/13/2020 12:05 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – The Brown County area now has 87 confirmed cases of coronavirus, according to Claire Paprocki of Brown County Health.

Of those 87 cases, 75 are in Brown County, 7 are in De Pere, 5 in Oneida Nation. Paprocki says there are still 5 patients from other counties that are hospitalized in Brown County. Twenty-two total patients are currently hospitalized due to coronavirus complications.

The lastest confirmed cases make up about 2 percent of Wisconsin’s 3,341 confirmed cases.

Case total exceeds 50, over 15 patients hospitalized

FRIDAY 4/10/2020 12:10 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – According to Brown County Health Officials, 53 county residents have tested positive for coronavirus as of Friday.

During his daily media briefing, Ted Shove, Environmental Health Manager with Brown County Health, said the Brown County area now has 63 cases: 53 in Brown County, 5 in Oneida Nation, and 5 out-of-counties transfers who are hospitalized in Brown County.

Between Brown County and Oneida Nation, 16 residents are hospitalized due to the virus. Seventeen are no longer in isolation.

According to Shove, Brown County’s first coronavirus-related death, a 58-year-old man, had other contributing factors to his death and a recent history of hospitalizations.

Officials are offering tracking of coronavirus cases within Brown County based on zip code. Visit the City of Green Bay’s website for more information.

For more on how Brown County health officials are responding to the pandemic, visit the Brown County Health and Human Services Facebook page.

First confirmed death in Brown County

THURSDAY 4/9/2020 3:29 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – Brown County Health Department, De Pere Health Department, and Oneida Nation Health Department have announced the first confirmed death from Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Brown County.

“We are devastated by the loss of a life to COVID-19 here in Brown County,” said Brown County Public Health Officer Anna Destree, De Pere Health Officer Debbie Armbruster and Oneida Nation Health Department Public Health Officer Michelle Myers in a joint statement.

“Our hearts go out to all the loved ones affected by this death and all those who continue to suffer from this virus in our community. We are urging the public to continue to practice social distancing now more than ever so we can save as many lives as possible.”

The man who passed away was 58 years old.

58 cases confirmed in the area, 18 out of isolation

THURSDAY 4/9/2020 1:03 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – Brown County health officials have confirmed a total of 58 cases of coronavirus within the area – 49 in Brown County, 5 in Oneida Nation, and 4 patients who are from different counties, but are hospitalized in Brown County.

According to Ted Shove, Environmental Health Manager with Brown County Health, 18 patients in the area are now out of isolation. As previously reported, the Brown County Health Department is not reporting patients who have recovered, they are reporting how many patients are out of isolation.

Twelve residents between Brown County and Oneida Nation are hospitalized at this time, according to Shove.

Shove says the latest cases include:

A 26-year-old man who is believed to be exposed due to community spread
A 56-year-old woman
A 71-year-old man who had been tested and was released from isolation on Thursday
A 48-year-old man

As of Wednesday, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services has confirmed more than 2,700 cases in the state, including 99 deaths.

Over 50 cases confirmed in the area, 13 hospitalized

WEDNESDAY 4/8/2020 12:05 p.m.

BROWN CO., Wis. (WFRV) – There are now over 50 cases of coronavirus in the Brown County area, according to Ted Shove, Environmental Health Manager with Brown County Health.

Shove says there are 46 cases in Brown County, 4 in Oneida Nation, and 3 cases that are from other counties, but are hospitalized in Brown County.

While Shove says the Brown County Health Department is not reporting patients who have recovered, they are reporting how many patients are out of isolation. As of Wednesday, 11 of Brown County’s 46 cases are out of isolation. Two of Oneida Nation’s four cases are also out of isolation. Ten of Brown County’s 46 cases are hospitalized.

A total of 797 people have been tested in Brown County and 201 are awaiting results.

Shove stated that there are concerns that Tuesday’s elections could cause a spike in cases but that that spike might not occur for a couple weeks because of how long it takes for symptoms to appear, the time it takes to complete testing, and how long contract tracing takes.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services has confirmed over 2,500 cases of coronavirus in the state. Cases under Brown County’s jurisdiction make up about 2 percent of the state’s total.

One case added since Monday, county total now at 46

TUESDAY 4/7/2020 12:0 p.m.

BROWN CO., Wis. (WFRV) – Brown County health officials have confirmed one new cases of coronavirus and has corrected a computational error to Monday’s breakdown of the cases.

According to Ted Shove, Environmental Health Manager with Brown County Health, one new cases has been confirmed since Monday, bringing the case total to 46. Of those, 39 are Brown County residents and 4 are members of the Oneida Nation.

Shove says Brown County Public Health, De Pere Health Department, and Oneida Community Health Services will be offering Facebook Lives every Tuesday and Thursday to address common topics health officials are being asked about. The first Facebook Live will be Tuesday, April 7.

As of Monday, April 6, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services has confirmed over 2,400 cases of coronavirus in the state and 77 deaths.

Health officials confirm 45 total cases

MONDAY 4/6/2020 12:00 p.m.

BROWN CO., Wis. (WFRV) – Brown County health officials have confirmed 45 total confirmed cases of coronavirus – 36 of which belonging to Brown County, 6 in Oneida Nation. Ted Shove, Environmental Health Manager with Brown County Health, says three of the 45 cases are actually residents from other counties who have been transported to and are hospitalized in Brown County.

Shove explains that many of the cases are contributed to community spread.

Of the new cases, one patient is a 21-year-old pregnant woman. Shove says there are concerns about the woman’s unborn child, but officials continue to monitor wellbeing.

Three of the new cases are believed to have been exposed during recent domestic travel – a 67-year-old man who traveled to New Orleans, a 64-year-old man who went to California, and a 20-year-old woman who went to Florida and has worked while ill at a healthcare facility.

Shove says that if there is a significant increase of coronavirus cases in Brown County, it could be fitting for the county to open up a remote testing facility.

During a Monday morning briefing, Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach explained that unified incident command center was established for public health when coronavirus began appearing in the area. Members of the command center worked together to create a mass testing site for area hospitals and are now working to create an isolation center for those in need.

Brown County Health and Human Services Executive Director and Area Commander Erik Pritzl says they have recently acquired and activated a quarantine facility that is currently housing 35 guests. Pritzl adds the county is working on obtaining a second quarantine site.

The testing site is ready to go, should the county need to use it and testing equipment becomes available, says Pritzl.

On Sunday, the Wisconsin Department of Health and Human Services confirmed over 2,00 cases and 68 deaths attributed to coronavirus.

Nine new cases confirmed, total now at 26

FRIDAY 4/3/2020 12:04 p.m.

BROWN CO., Wis. (WFRV) – Brown County health officials have confirmed nine new cases of coronavirus, bringing the county total to 26.

According to Ted Shove, Environmental Health Manager with Brown County Health, two of the newest cases include:

A 68-year-old woman with a relationship to a previously reported case in Brown County. She was released from the hospital last night.
A 64-year-old man who is believed to have been exposed by community spread.

The other cases are still being investigated at this time.

Shove is encouraging the community to limit their time in public places like grocery stores. To do so, Shove recommends creating a seven day meal plan.

Another case confirmed, county total now at 17

THURSDAY 4/2/2020 12:06 p.m.

BROWN CO., Wis. (WFRV) – Brown County health officials have confirmed an additional case of coronavirus in a 22-year-old man from Oneida Nation. This is Oneida Nation’s second case.

During a media briefing Thursday afternoon, Ted Shove of Brown County Health says the five newest patients include:

A 43-year-old man from Oneida Nation who is believed to have been exposed due to community spread
65-year-old woman who is now hospitalized and had a recent history of international travel
36-year-old woman who worked in a healthcare role, but was not in contact with patients
32-year-old man believed to be exposed to community spread
22-year-old man from Oneida Nation

Shove estimates about six of Brown County’s patients are no longer symptomatic or are seeing a reduction of symptoms.

Four new cases confirmed, county total now at 16

THURSDAY 4/2/2020 10:15 a.m.

BROWN CO., Wis. (WFRV) Four more cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Brown County, one of which was reported in Oneida Nation. The county has now confirmed 16 total cases.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has reported 1,550 total cases of coronavirus in Wisconsin as of Wednesday, April 1.

12 total cases confirmed, up from six last week

WEDNESDAY 4/1/2020 1:53 p.m.

BROWN CO., Wis. (WFRV) – Brown County health officials have confirmed 12 cases of coronavirus in the county, up from six just last week.

Ted Shove of the Brown County Public Health Department says one of the recent cases is a woman in her 30s who is believed to have been exposed to coronavirus during domestic travel. Two other patients – a 24-year-old man and a 49-year-old woman – are believed to be exposed to coronavirus through community spread. This means there is no obvious direct exposure to coronavirus.

The 24-year-old is the youngest case Brown County has seen.

Shove says these patients are not hospitalized at this time and officials are working to trace where these three patients have been.

Of Brown County patients affected, Shove says four or five are hospitalized. He explains that of those hospitalized, most of them are of the older population and/or have underlying health concerns.

Shove says that the public should focus on keep at least six feet between yourself and others, especially if the other person is expressing flu-like symptoms like coughing, weezing, or other symptoms. He goes on to encourage the public to avoid contact like handshaking and frequent cleaning of hard surfaces.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has reported 1,550 total cases of coronavirus in Wisconsin as of Wednesday, April 1.

Two more cases of coronavirus confirmed, total now at 6

FRIDAY 3/27/2020 11:35 a.m.

BROWN CO., Wis. (WFRV) – Health officials have confirmed two more cases of coronavirus in Brown County, bringing the total number of cases to six.

Brown County Public Health, De Pere Health Department and Oneida Nation Health Department were unable to release more details about the two latest cases.

On Wednesday, health officials confirmed the county’s fourth case.

As of Thursday, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services confirmed 707 cases of coronavirus in Wisconsin. A total of 14 coronavirus-related deaths have been reported in the state since mid-March.

Fourth case of coronavirus confirmed in Brown County

WEDNESDAY 3/25/2020 6:55 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – A fourth case of coronavirus in Brown County was confirmed by the Brown County Public Health, De Pere Health Department and Oneida Nation Health Department on Wednesday.

Health Officer for De Pere Health Department says, “Younger people, particularly those who are ages 18 to 30, are not immune to COVID-19… Anyone can contract COVID-19. It’s important for everyone, including young and healthy people, to practice social distancing.”

Health departments are actively monitoring the progression of this outbreak in Brown County and are urging the community to follow Governor Tony Evers ‘Safer at Home’ order and only leave your home for essential services.

Michelle Myers, Interim Public Health Officer for Oneida Nation Health Department says, “Staying at home will help us flatten the curve and protect the capacity of our local health care systems to serve those who will suffer the most from COVID-19.”

Health departments want everyone to know that the best way to slow the spread of the virus is social distancing.

Acting Public Health Officer for Brown County Public Health Ann Steinberger says, “Stay home if you can and especially if you are sick. If you need to leave your home, please keep six feet between people and avoid direct physical contact.”

A previous update to this story incorrectly used the term “deaths”. This story has been updated to reflect confirmed cases. Brown County has no confirmed deaths to due COVID-19 at this time

Third case of coronavirus in Brown County confirmed

MONDAY 3/23/2020 12:29 p.m.

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – A third case of coronavirus has been confirmed in Brown County, according to Brown County Public Health, De Pere Health Department, and Oneida Community Health Services.

Officials say this patient was exposed while traveling and is currently isolated. Public Health says they have been in contact with the patient and have reached out to anyone who was directly exposed. Those individuals will be asked to isolate or quarantine as appropriate.

Two cases of coronavirus confirmed in Brown County

WEDNESDAY 3/18/2020 12:22 p.m.

A second case of coronavirus has been confirmed in Brown County.

Health officials spoke at a Brown County Board meeting Wednesday night revealing the second case, explaining that further information would be released Thursday.

The second confirmed case comes only hours after the first case of coronavirus was confirmed in the County.

According to Brown County Public Health, the individual traveled domestically and developed symptoms. The patient has remained under self-quarantine, according to officials, and will remain in isolation as recommended by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services guidelines.

“We have been jointly preparing and anticipating a confirmed case in Brown County. We will work closely with Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) to ensure we are taking the appropriate next steps to ensure our community is safe and well,” said Ann Steinberger, acting Brown County Public Health Officer.

THE LATEST: Confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wisconsin

Health officials say they are now identifying and contacting anyone who has been in close contact with the person who has tested positive for coronavirus. These people are asked to quarantine themselves for 14 days and will be monitored for fever and respiratory symptoms. Those who develop symptoms will be tested.

“We are all prepared to deal with an increased number of cases. We will continue to work with DHS, the CDC, and our local partners to make sure our community remains safe and healthy,” said Debbie Armbruster De Pere Health Officer.