Oconto County COVID positives continue to rise

The number of positive tests for coronavirus in Oconto County continued to spike through the month of August, county Health & Human Services Director Mike Reimer told the County Board during its regular monthly meeting Aug. 20.

From March 27 to May 1, the county recorded 15 positive tests, Reimer said. That figure grew by 23 to 38 on June 1 and by another 23 on July 1, to 61.

Oconto County experienced a jump of 117 positives by Aug. 1, when the total stood at 178, and another 139 positive tests had been recorded by Aug. 20, when Reimer reported to the board.

Of the 317 cases, 80 percent or 261 patients were considered recovered. A person who died with COVID-19 in early August was the county’s first death, “although that number is probably likely to increase,” Reimer said.

By Monday, Aug. 24, Oconto County was listed as having 372 positive tests. A total of 6,874 county residents with symptoms had tested negative for the coronavirus.

Oconto and Marinette counties have been among the hottest of “hot spots” for COVID-19 this summer. As of Monday, Marinette County had recorded 565 positives and six deaths.

County officials continue to recommend washing hands, staying home when sick, wearing a face mask, and maintaining social distancing in an effort to contain the spread.

wbluhm@newmedia-wi.com