First 2 Cases Of Coronavirus Confirmed In City Of Racine

RACINE, WI – Public health officials Thursday confirmed the first two cases of the new coronavirus, COVID-19, in the City of Racine. The residents were likely exposed in Wisconsin through community interactions, health officials said. Racine County's first case was reported on Friday, March 13, though it was not disclosed where within the county's borders.

“Our team at the City of Racine is working tirelessly to get ahead of the COVID-19 crisis and protect the health and safety of our residents,” said Racine Mayor Cory Mason in a statement Thursday. “We will continue to work with state and federal health officials and our local partners and take the necessary steps to slow the spread of COVID-19.”

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“We want to determine exposure routes and identify contacts who will need to be notified, quarantined, and monitored for symptoms of COVID-19,” said Dottie-Kay Bowersox, Public Health Administrator for the City of Racine.“It is important to note that these individuals are not linked with any school, childcare, or long-term care facility.”
Those experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 are requested to call their health care provider for guidance. Racine County health departments do not have tests or testing capacity.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers declared a public health emergency due to the coronavirus on March 12. Evers ordered all K-12 schools closed starting March 18 with an indefinite re-opening date. Earlier this week, he ordered all restaurant and bar dine-in facilities closed and limited public gatherings to 10 or fewer people. On Wednesday, Evers directed Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm to restrict the size of all child care settings. Centers may not operate with more than 10 staff present at a time and may not operate with more than 50 children present at a time.

Mayor Cory Mason issued the following statement Thursday:

“Today, two City residents were confirmed to have coronavirus. It is all our hope they stay safe and recover quickly. While these are the first two official cases, they will not be the last. City administration has been working diligently with leaders from around the City, County, and State to respond to monitor the situation and deploy resources accordingly. We are doing everything we can to help flatten the curve and reduce the number of new possible cases of coronavirus in our community. We know health issues disproportionately impact our communities of color so we are taking intentional measures to protect the health of our entire community. But this is not something that can be done by government alone. We need our community to join us by following the guidelines from health experts - wash your hands often, avoid large groups and use social distancing. Please stay home as much as possible, particularly if you are sick, check in on your loved ones who are the most vulnerable, and only go out when it is necessary. As Mayor, I am committed to ensuring the health and safety of our community and will communicate more information as soon as we have it. If we work together, we will flatten the curve.”