“This Crisis is Urgent” – Gov. Evers Calls for Unity, Signs Executive Order Advising Wisconsinites to Stay Home

(News Release from the Governor’s Office – November 10)
Gov. Evers Calls for Unity, Working Together, Signs Executive Order Advising Wisconsinites to Stay Home; New COVID-19 response legislation to be announced in the coming days

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers tonight delivered a primetime address, calling for unity and working together in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. The governor’s address comes as Wisconsin had yet another record-breaking day in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths.

Today Wisconsin reported more than 7,000 new cases, 66 lives lost, and 291 people hospitalized due to COVID-19. During his address, Gov. Evers pointed to projections from the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. The IHME’s projections indicates that based on current data, approximately 5,000 Wisconsinites could die from COVID-19 by January 1, 2021, if no further actions are taken to slow the spread of COVID-19. That would mean an additional more than 2,500 Wisconsinites who would not make it to New Year’s Day.

As COVID-19 continues to surge across the state, Gov. Evers announced Executive Order #94, which includes new measures to combat the spread of COVID-19. Executive Order #94 advises Wisconsinites to stay home, urges precautions Wisconsinites should take to stay safe if they have to leave their home, and encourages businesses to take additional steps to protect workers, customers, and the surrounding community.

Gov. Evers also announced in the coming days he will be introducing new COVID-19 response legislation to provide more support for Wisconsinites. He also once again called on Congress to pass legislation providing additional resources to states across the country.

Recordings of the governor’s address can be viewed on his YouTube and Facebook accounts. Below are the governor’s remarks as prepared for delivery: 

Good evening, Wisconsin. Governor Tony Evers here. Thank you for tuning in tonight.

I know I don’t have to tell you that this year has been one of major challenges.

A global pandemic—coupled with economic uncertainty and another election season—has shaken our patience, our empathy, and our compassion for one another.

Our optimism has been battered, our resilience strained, and our character tested.

But now, as we put the election behind us, we are called upon to remember the things that unite us—and that includes the struggles that we share. We must now return our undivided attention to the COVID-19 pandemic. We must start fighting this virus, together, and we must start tonight.

As you know, earlier this year, we took steps to contain COVID-19 by issuing a safer at home order. We estimated then that our efforts would save between 300 and 1,400 lives. That order was struck down by the Wisconsin Supreme Court—a decision that hamstrung our ability to respond to this virus by using the tools supported by science and public health experts.

Unfortunately, since then, Wisconsin has become a national hotspot. We once led our region in containing this virus, but now surges in our state rival what we saw in New York City this spring.

Our case numbers continue to climb. Since just last Friday, we’ve added more than 25,000 new cases. It took us seven and a half months to get to 100,000 cases. But it only took 36 days to add another 100,000. The way things are going, it will take us only 20 days to reach another 100,000.

We’ve now surpassed, in deaths, the number of lives we projected we would have saved months ago if we would have been able to keep safer at home and reopen safely. 2,395 Wisconsinites—mothers, fathers, grandparents, friends, and coworkers—have lost their lives, and I offer my deepest sympathies and condolences to those who are mourning the loss of their loved ones.

Unfortunately, they will not be the last.

The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation estimates 5,000 Wisconsinites could be lost to COVID-19 by January 1st if no further actions are taken to get this virus under control. That means another 2,500 people who might not be with us on New Year’s Day.

Wisconsin, this is serious. This crisis is urgent.

Across our state, families, workers, and communities continue to face the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our healthcare workers are going to work every day, working three, sometimes four, shifts in a row, often having to reuse or share masks, and putting themselves and their families at risk to do their jobs. We owe them our thanks, but they also deserve our action.

I am concerned about what our current trajectory means for Wisconsin healthcare workers, families, and our economy if we don’t get this virus under control.

So, I want to be clear tonight: each day this virus goes unchecked is a setback for our economic recovery.

Our bars, restaurants, small businesses, families, and farmers will continue to suffer if we don’t take action right now—our economy cannot bounce back until we contain this virus.

So, tonight, I have signed Executive Order #94 advising Wisconsinites to stay home to save lives.

We must get back to the basics of fighting this virus just like we did last spring, and it starts at home.

It’s not safe to go out, it’s not safe to have others over—it’s just not safe. And it might not be safe for a while yet.

So, please, cancel the happy hours, dinner parties, sleepovers, and playdates at your home. And if a friend or family member invites you over, offer to hang out virtually instead.

And unfortunately, with the holidays just around the corner, we recommend that you plan to celebrate just with your own household. You can still invite others to join virtually, but we advise you not to go to any gatherings with people who are not in your immediate home.

You can keep supporting local businesses, restaurants, and workers by sticking to curbside pickup, delivery, or using online ordering whenever you can.

If you need to get out and go for a walk or a bike ride, that’s alright, too—it’s important now more than ever to get some exercise and take good care of our physical and mental health.

Or if you think you might’ve been exposed to COVID-19, please go get tested. And then make sure you’re quarantining at home while you’re waiting for your results and for 14 days after you’ve been exposed. Even if you do test negative for COVID-19, it’s important to remember that just because you test negative today doesn’t guarantee a negative test tomorrow, so please stay home.

Otherwise, if you have to leave your home, limit it to essential needs or errands. Please only leave your home if it’s absolutely necessary like going to the doctor, picking up prescriptions, grabbing groceries, or getting tested.

And if you have to go out, please wear a mask and stay six feet apart. Wearing a mask is not a political statement—it’s a sign to coworkers or the strangers you pass in the grocery store that you care about them, and they care about you, too.

That’s why I’m also calling on business leaders across our state to continue doing their part to keep workers, customers, and communities safe by expanding working from home options for workers, offering online or virtual services, and limiting the number of people in offices, facilities, and stores.

Small businesses across our state have been important partners throughout this fight, and I’m grateful for all their good work.

And if shifting to virtual work isn’t feasible, please go to WEDC.org to find guidelines for policies to help prevent workplace exposure and to keep workers and customers as safe as possible.

As we’ve fought this virus since March, we’ve worked hard to support workers, families, farmers, and businesses across our state. In the coming days, I’ll be announcing a package of COVID-19 legislation that should be passed quickly to make sure we have the resources ready for those who need it.

We’ve also used our federal CARES money to get support to Wisconsinites across our state. We’ve supplied more than 16 million in PPE and sanitizing supplies to local communities. We’ve also assisted more than 26,000 small businesses, helped more than 12,000 households pay rent, supported more than 15,000 farms, and expanded statewide testing and contact tracing efforts.

But we also know we have a long road ahead of us, and there are workers, families, farmers, and small businesses that are going to need our help as we work to fight this virus, together.

Here’s the bottom line—the federal CARES dollars we received earlier this year expire on December 31st. That means unless we get additional support from Congress, our state will have to foot the bill for our response after the New Year.

So, please contact your congressperson and ask them to provide additional support and resources for our state’s response to this virus. We must be able to continue all our efforts to keep people healthy and safe.

I know this year has been extremely difficult, and I know good news is hard to come by these days.

But, as I stand here tonight, I’ll tell you that I’m hopeful—that we can beat this virus and we can rebuild and recover.

Anyone would be a fool to count us out, Wisconsin.

The surges we see—the new cases, hospitalizations, and deaths—these are not foregone conclusions. These are predictable and preventable. That means the fight against this virus is winnable, but only if we fight it together.

So, tonight we must also offer our neighbors the promise of a better tomorrow—a promise that each of us must play a part in delivering by doing everything we can.

Right now, we’ve got plenty to prove and a lot to lose. Let’s get to work, and let’s move forward, together. Thank you. 

UW-W Dept of Theatre/Dance presents “Le Misanthrope”

(UW-W media release)

UW-Whitewater’s Department of Theatre/Dance Presents “Le Misanthrope”

Director Bruce Cohen Shows the Softer Side of this Classic Comedy

UW-Whitewater’s Department of Theatre/Dance is ready for you to experience “Le Misanthrope,” Neil Bartlett’s adaptation of the Moliere classic. Single tickets are $13 and Family Viewing Tickets for two or more individuals are $26. All ticketholders will receive an email with a link to view the production on Monday, November 23, 2020 and will be available for viewing from Tuesday, November 24, 2020 – Sunday, November 29, 2020. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased by calling (262) 472-2222 or online at tickets.uww.edu.

Mis·an·thrope: a person who dislikes humankind and avoids human society. The 80’s – when greed was good, hair was big, style was loud, and relationships were strategic – is the perfect setting for Bartlett’s adaptation of Moliere’s classic play. At Celimene’s extravagant party, Alceste and Oronte verbally spar for her affection. While Alceste despises society and vows to speak only the truth, Oronte is a wealthy respected member of society who feels he deserves to win Celimene. Vanity and silly flirtations ensue in this time-honored rollicking romp of a play.

Despite its outwardly comedic elements, Director Bruce Cohen shows us this adaptation’s softer side. “’Misanthrope’ belongs to the portion of Moliere’s work that treats character and scenario with more sophistication. It is considered a comedy, yes, but it is also quite an intimate and melancholy play. This emotional complexity lends itself well to our modified approach. I have focused in on those elements that the camera is so good at capturing; the wealth of psychological and emotional tumult that vibrates through the core of this play.”

The cast of “Le Misanthrope” features the talents of Kory Friend as Alceste (the titular misanthrope), Ivy Steege as Celimene, Jon Lotti as Oronte, Bryce Giammo as Philinte, Lindsay Bland as Arsinoe, and Natalie Meikle as Eliante.

 “Playing Alceste has taught me how to avoid judging my character at face value. He could be seen as the protagonist or antagonist of the show, depending on who you ask; I think he’s just deeply misunderstood” says Kory Friend on playing the role of the blunt and ill-tempered Alceste. “He is usually written off to be a jerk, but even in his anger we can empathize with him. He just wants people to be honest with him, and gets frustrated when they resort to flattery or small talk. It feels good to play Alceste from a place of understanding and earnestness, rather than working against myself by playing him as the jerk everyone thinks he is.”

“Le Misanthrope” tickets are on sale and can be purchased by calling (262) 472-2222 or online at tickets.uww.edu.  Single tickets are $13.00 and Family Viewing Tickets for two or more individuals are $26.00. All ticketholders will receive an email with a link to view the production on Monday, November 23, 2020 and will be available for viewing from Tuesday, November 24, 2020 – Sunday, November 29, 2020.

First day of COVID-19 “surge testing” at UW-W draws 260 participants

(UW-W Press Release – Nov. 9)

First day of COVID-19 “surge testing” at UW-Whitewater draws 260 participants

About 260 community members, including families with elementary school-aged children to teenagers, came to the Kris Russell Volleyball Arena for the first day of COVID-19 “surge testing” at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Testing staff on site were separated by plexiglass and wore gloves, protective gowns and face shields. After visitors checked in, the testers instructed them on how to insert a swab into both nostrils, for about five seconds in each nostril, to collect a sample and then hand the swab back to the tester, who captured it for processing.

Parents were first handed swabs to test themselves and then additional swabs to collect samples from their children.

Knowing and not guessing brings peace of mind, according to Mike Kilar of Whitewater, who brought his children Angel and Kindyl. Angel smiled as he removed the swab from his nose, as if experiencing a tickle.

“One of my daughters and my wife work in the school district,” Kilar said. “We just wanted to make sure where we stood and if we were testing positive or negative.”

As people arrived and were tested through Monday morning and into the afternoon, the process was flowing smoothly, with brief waits in line or no waiting at all.

Brianna Tillett, a UW-Milwaukee student who came home to Whitewater to visit her parents, wanted to get tested before she went back on campus.

“I just wanted to be extra careful because I know that numbers are going up,” she said.

The new testing site at UW-Whitewater is a direct response to the surge of coronavirus cases across Wisconsin.

“At UW-Whitewater, we’re ready to do our part to combat the spread of COVID-19 in our region during this public health crisis. Our partnership with the University of Wisconsin System and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will allow us to conduct thousands of tests right here on campus, providing critical health information to people so that they can act appropriately and keep their families, friends and fellow community members safe,” said Chancellor Dwight C. Watson.

“I want to extend my thanks and appreciation to all of the employees who have made this COVID-19 testing site a reality. Over the past week, they have adjusted their workloads and pivoted quickly to meet the community need for a robust testing program.”

After a short wait in line and then moving through a testing station in about five minutes, Christina Schwab, UW-Whitewater head women’s wheelchair basketball coach, said, “It was pretty easy.”

“With the wheelchair basketball program, we are testing so that we can practice in some capacity. Since I’m making my athletes do it, I want to make sure that I’m doing it as well. And then also just for the safety of my family at home, too. My (college) background is in community health so I also think about the bigger picture and how this can affect, not just campus, but when I go home and my kids go to school in a different district. And so the big picture is what I think about.”

Testing information

The testing site is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, at the Kris Russell Volleyball Arena in the Williams Center, 907 W. Schwager Dr., Whitewater, WI 53190. Free parking is available in lots 7 and 9 on Warhawk Drive. Please note, during Thanksgiving week, testing will be offered Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday only (Nov. 23-25), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Anyone 5 years and older can get a test. Pre-registration is required at doineedacovid19test.com. This is a rapid antigen test (nasal swab). People will receive their results within 15 minutes; space is set aside for people to safely distance while they wait.

Individuals who test negative using the rapid antigen test, but also are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or who test positive but do not have symptoms, are urged to get a confirmatory PCR test. A free PCR test will be available immediately to those who qualify on site. 

The “surge testing” program complements an already existing partnership between UW-Whitewater, UW System and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to regularly test university students, which began earlier this semester. UW-Whitewater students will continue to get their COVID-19 tests through University Health and Counseling Services at Ambrose Health Center on Starin Road by making an appointment at uww.edu/uhcs.

For more information on COVID-19 testing at UW-Whitewater, visit uww.edu/warhawks-return/testing.

Another COVID-19 related 3-day school building closing: Lincoln Elementary

(This announcement was sent to Lincoln parents on Nov. 9)

Dear Lincoln Elementary Families,

The Whitewater Unified School District is working hard to assure our students remain in school, as we know that is where they learn best.

The District adopted a plan requiring a school to shift to virtual instruction for three days after three or more positive COVID-19 cases are confirmed within a seven-day period.   Unfortunately, we have confirmed three cases at Lincoln Elementary School.  The building will be closed for in-person attendance Tuesday through Thursday. There is already a planned closure day for the entire District on Friday.  In-person instruction at Lincoln will resume on Monday, November 16th. 

Surge testing initiated today at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.  The purpose of surge testing is to rapidly identify cases so that individuals can quarantine or isolate if they are COVID-19 positive. We expect this will impact WUSD as testing progresses.

Conferences this Evening:

Conferences will continue to be held at your confirmed time today.  

Contact Tracing:

Upon receiving the notification and confirmation, the school conducted initial contact tracing and has contacted any students or staff who were directly impacted by close contact via phone. If you did not receive a call, you were not a close contact.

Chromebooks & Supplies: 

Today, in order to prepare for the closure, teachers will be sending home any materials and supplies that students will need to participate in learning from home Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (AM). 

Online Meals:

The deadline to order online meals for Tuesday has been extended to 8:00 pm today (Monday).  The deadline to order online meals for the remainder of the week will remain at 10:00 am the day before pick up.  Families are able to order meals by following this link:  https://sites.google.com/wwusd.org/wusd-covid-19/food-service.  Meals ordered for pick up at Lincoln will be available for pick up outside of Lincoln.

Online Instructional Schedule:

Beginning Tuesday AM,  students should log into their SeeSaw classroom.  Assignments will be posted and class meetings will begin at 8:00 am on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. These virtual meetings are important for students so please make every effort to help your child connect with their teachers during the scheduled times. 

Questions

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Kilar at (262) 472-8401.

Best, 

Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty

District Administrator

———–

Estimadas familias de la primaria Lincoln, 

El Distrito Escolar Unificado de Whitewater está trabajando duro para asegurar que nuestros estudiantes permanezcan en la escuela, ya que sabemos que es donde aprenden mejor.

El Distrito adoptó un plan que requiere que la escuela cambie a la instrucción virtual por tres días después de que se confirmen tres o más casos positivos de COVID-19 en un período de siete días.   Desafortunadamente, hemos confirmado tres casos en la Escuela Primaria Lincoln.  El edificio estará cerrado para la asistencia en persona de martes a jueves. Ya hay un día de cierre planeado para todo el Distrito el viernes.  La instrucción en persona en Lincoln se reanudará el lunes 16 de noviembre. 

Las pruebas en aumento de COVID-19 se iniciaron hoy en la Universidad de Wisconsin-Whitewater.  El propósito de las pruebas en aumento tiene por objeto identificar rápidamente los casos para que los individuos puedan aislar si son COVID-19 positivos. Se espera que esto afecte a WUSD a medida que las pruebas se realicen..

Conferencias esta noche:

Las conferencias continuarán llevándose a cabo a la hora confirmada hoy.  

Rastreo de contactos:

Al recibir la notificación y confirmación, la escuela realizó el rastreo de contacto inicial y ha contactado por teléfono a los estudiantes o personal que fueron afectados directamente por el contacto cercano. Si no recibió una llamada, no fue un contacto cercano.

Chromebooks & Materiales Escolares: 

Hoy, con el fin de prepararse para el cierre, los maestros enviarán a casa cualquier material y útiles que los estudiantes necesiten para participar en el aprendizaje desde casa el martes, miércoles y jueves (AM). 

Comidas ordenadas en línea:

La fecha límite para ordenar comidas en línea para el martes se ha extendido a las 8:00 pm de hoy (lunes).  La fecha límite para ordenar comidas en línea para el resto de la semana se mantendrá a las 10:00 am del día anterior a la recogida.  Las familias pueden ordenar las comidas siguiendo este enlace: https://sites.google.com/wwusd.org/wusd-covid-19/food-service.  Las comidas ordenadas para ser recogidas en Lincoln estarán disponibles para ser recogidas afuera de Lincoln.

Horario de instrucción en línea:

A partir del martes por la mañana, los estudiantes deben ingresar a su clase de SeeSaw.  Las asignaciones serán publicadas y las reuniones de clase comenzarán a las 8:00 am los martes, miércoles y jueves. Estas reuniones virtuales son importantes para los estudiantes, así que por favor haga todo lo posible para ayudar a su hijo a conectarse con sus maestros durante los horarios programados. 

Preguntas

Si tiene alguna pregunta, por favor contacte a la Sra. Kilar al (262) 472-8401.

Lo mejor, 

Dra. Caroline Pate-Hefty

Administradora de Distrito

Sheila and Melvin Juette are Hometown Heroes

(Whitewater Unites Lives submission) Sheila and Melvin Juette are WUL Hometown Heroes, and have been nominated for “Fostering and adopting many children, and just recently extending their love and welcome during Covid when the unexpected death of a Whitewater High School student’s mother caused him to need a family. During a time when most families are closing off, they did what they do best and opened up their home and their lives.”

Sheila and Melvin Juette are WUL Hometown Heroes

The nomination includes:  “The Juettes are working hard to do virtual school with all of their children, elementary level through high school. They are working hard to make the best of this situation and doing it with love.  Because hard work and love is what the Juettes do. 

And I’d like to end my nomination for the entire Juette Family as hometown heroes by quoting Sheila Juette, ‘Love will give us the strength and inspiration to get through this together.’ Together and love are what the Juettes do best and how the greater Whitewater community will come out of this better on the other side. Thank you to the Juettes! You are my heroes.”

The Juettes are currently parenting eight children at home, and have parented 80 children together. 

The Juette Family in 2020

Melvin Juette said, “We are always thinking about what our community needs, and one of the things we thought the community really needed was providing a temporary, stable, environment where kids can come in and be loved and nurtured and being able to excel.  Even though we have them temporarily, we still consider them a part of our family.  We have had over 80 kids in our home so we still keep the connection…they reach out to us and we are always there to support them.”

WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.   

 Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com 

Discover Whitewater Helps WI Bundle Up – local organization serves as collection site for WI Dept. of Tourism’s annual charity drive.

Big Bundle Up begins for gathering winter clothing | Free | apg-wi.com

(Discover Whitewater submission) The Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Council is inviting residents to drop off new or gently used coats, sweaters, hats, mittens, and other warm clothing items as part of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Big Bundle Up campaign. The Big Bundle Up is a statewide collection program running Nov. 5–Jan. 5, 2021. This is the tenth year of the Big Bundle Up and to date, the program has collected over 185,000 warm winter items to help families in need. Donating warm winter items is the perfect way to give to Wisconsin families in need as the holiday giving season approaches. A box will be located at the Discover Whitewater offices, 150 W. Main St. in downtown Whitewater for donors to drop off warm clothing items. Items can be dropped off Monday–Friday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. All items donated at this location will be given to local families. For more information about why Discover Whitewater is participating in the Big Bundle Up, please contact Kellie Carper, Exec. Director at (262) 473-4005.

Rapid COVID-19 testing for the community begins Monday at UW-W; Link provided to video of process

(UW-W Press Release – Nov. 8)

COVID-19 testing for the community begins Monday at UW-Whitewater

Anyone 5 years or older can get free, fast COVID-19 tests starting Monday, Nov. 9. The testing site will be open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Kris Russell Volleyball Arena in the Williams Center.

Since the rapid test is less reliable than the PCR test, it will be recommended that those with positive results should follow up with the PCR test that generally takes several days for results.

For more information, and to register, visit: https://www.uww.edu/warhawks-return/testing

To see a video about the process, click here. (Although the video refers to testing for students, community members may use the link above to register.)

COVID-19 update: New positive cases in Walworth County nearly double in a week; Significant increases continue at UW-W (UPDATED: Higher positives at UW-W)

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
November 8, 2020

  • With a 7-day case incidence as of November 8 of 77.6, Walworth County’s positive cases have essentially doubled in the past week. The county is deeply into the “very high risk” category (which begins at 25) under the Jefferson County model that Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD) is no longer using as guidance. Whitewater’s case incidence, 69.6, is similar to that of Walworth County. Meanwhile, Jefferson County is currently reporting a 7-day case incidence as of November 4 of 72. The statewide case incidence is reported to be 75.7. (Case incidence = daily average new cases per 100,000 people.)
  • The school district had the first two school closings since the gradual return to in-person school, with classes going virtual at Lakeview for 11/5-6 and at the High School on 11/9. WUSD’s current data indicates that since September 1 there have been sixteen positive cases among students and five staff members, a change of one student and two staff members since our report of November 1. In-person classes resumed fulltime for 4K – 5th grade on September 28; grades 6-12 began a hybrid model on October 12, and fulltime in-person classes resumed on November 2.
  • UWWs current data shows that last week there were 70 students and 6 staff with positive PCR tests. This is more than double compared with 24 students and 7 staff in last week’s report. In the initial four weeks of the semester there had been a total of 371 students and 15 others. In the past five weeks there have been 142 students and 15 others with positive PCR tests. Positive results from the rapid antigen tests that are administered to asymptomatic and random volunteers have increased from 1.1% four weeks ago to 1.9% three weeks ago, 3.35% two weeks ago, to 8.15% last week.
  • Per this state website, every county in the state current has a “very high” COVID activity level. Per the state, “COVID-19 remains very contagious and most people in Wisconsin are still at risk of getting sick from the virus.”
  • The majority of new positive cases in Whitewater still appear to be at UW-W; however, it appears there is ongoing community spread in the remainder of the community.

DAILY CASE INCIDENCE PER 100,000 PEOPLE – WALWORTH COUNTY

End DateNew cases/14 daysIncidenceNew cases/7 daysIncidence
9/1552738.840359.2
9/2264847.724536
9/2937927.913419.7
10/530222.217625.9
10/1630822.617625.9
10/2542731.426539.0
11/153339.226839.4
11/879558.552777.6
*

DAILY CASE INCIDENCE PER 100,00 PEOPLE – CITY OF WHITEWATER (WALWORTH COUNTY PORTION)

End DateNew cases/14 daysIncidenceNew cases/7 daysIncidence
9/15345206.8284340.4
9/22419251.1132158.1
9/29180107.94857.6
10/174225.12024.0
10/256136.64554.0
11/17544.93036.0
11/88852.75869.6

TEST POSITIVITY RESULTS – CITY OF WHITEWATER (WALWORTH COUNTY PORTION)

End Date# Tests Reported – 14 days# PositivePositivity %# Tests Reported – 7 days#PositivePositivity %
8/222162712.5%10365.8%
8/29240197.9%128139.2%
9/74217718.3%2746021.9%
9/2095840442.2%57120435.7%
9/2966318027.1%2364820.3%
10/171754224.0%802025.0%
10/253106119.7%1404532.1%
11/12667528.2%1263023.8%
11/82978829.6%1715833.4%

TEST POSITIVITY RESULTS – WALWORTH COUNTY

End Date# Tests Reported – 14 days#PositivePositivity %# Tests Reported – 7 days# PositivePositivity %% of Those with Positive Results Who Reported being Asymptomatic Total Deaths
8/22238627711.6%107111210.5%11.4%25
8/29197221010.6%9019810.9%11.1%27
9/7195322811.7%98612913.1%10.9%32
9/22268964824.1%124924519.6%9.7%34
9/29250437915.1%125513410.7%9.75%35
10/5218930213.8%86417625.6%9.49%35
10/16180330814.6%114217615.4%9.47%36
10/25330442712.9%109726524.2%9.36%38
11/1228953323.3%119226822.5%9.10%39
11/8274879528.9%155652733.9%8.8%
Note: On May 12, 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) advised governments that before reopening, rates of positivity in testing (ie, out of all tests conducted, how many came back positive for COVID-19) should remain at 5% or lower for at least 14 days. If a positivity rate is too high, that may indicate that the state is only testing the sickest patients who seek medical attention, and is not casting a wide enough net to know how much of the virus is spreading within its communities. Wisconsin’s current positivity rate is 12.8%.

WUSD is providing the following “COVID Tracking Data” on its website at this link.

COVID TRACKING DATA

On September 23, 2020 the WUSD School Board voted to suspend the utilization of a community level metric.

Below is the cumulative and current number of close contact, symptomatic, COVID positive staff and students.

District COVID Tracking Data Sept 1 – November 2 (updated Nov. 3)
CumulativeNov. 2
STAFF
Close Contact Positive Person325
Showing Symptoms371
Tested COVID-Positive52
Total Quarantined Staff74
STUDENTSClose Contact Positive Person 16066
Showing Symptoms25815
Tested COVID-Positive160
Total Quarantined Students434
TotalsNumber of Positive COVID Cases21
Number of Days of School43

UWW has established the following dashboard which provides useful information. It is found at this link.

COVID-19 Dashboard

The COVID-19 pandemic is an ever-changing situation and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater actively monitors and reviews a series of health, safety, and resource metrics to guide decision-making with regard to university operations. These metrics are considered in combination and consultation with recommendations and orders from the state and county health departments before any changes in operations are made.

Last Updated 11/6/2020 at 10:00 AM

COVID-19 cases reported to UW-Whitewater

New reports – Week of Nov. 1-7Previous weekCumulative reports since March 2020
Students7024516
Employees6729
Other004
Unknown000

Dashboard is updated on business days with available data. Numbers include cases reported through university-coordinated testing, as well as those reported through the COVID-19 Hotline, which may include testing that occurred off-campus through other health clinics/providers. Student employees are counted in the student numbers. The “Other” category is defined as any positive cases reported to UW-Whitewater who are neither students nor employees and may include visitors to the university, contractors or vendors, or others who have been to the university in person.  These numbers represent individuals who have had direct contact with the campuses.  Individuals who are working or attending solely in a remote manner and not living in University Housing are not included.

Regional Metrics


University Health and Counseling Services (10/15-10/29)Walworth County (10/18-10/31)Rock County (10/21-11/3)Jefferson CountyWisconsin (7-day average)
Percent Positive39% (92/236*)16.57%24.6%35.6%32%
Time to complete contact tracing100% of contacts are initiated within 48 hours**82% of contacts are initiated within 48 hours70% of contacts are initiated within 48 hoursNot AvailableN/A
Healthcare system capacity levelNo crisis management of careNo crisis management of careNo crisis management of careNot Available12% Available (Based on Immediate Bed Availability)
Total cases per 100,000n/a545.7
(39 per day)
1051.4
(75.1 per day)
1051.1
(75.1/day)
1060.6
(75.8/day)

*UHCS percentage positive is based on PCR testing performed at the University Clinic site of students only.  Case totals are represented by (Total Positives/Total PCR Tests)

**To avoid duplication, UHCS actively partners with Walworth, Rock, and Jefferson Health Departments.  County Health Departments do tracing of positive cases and UHCS employees do tracing of contact cases. 

Previous 7 days of PCR Tests Administered

PCR* Test Date# of PCR Tests Administered
10/28/209
10/29/2020
10/30/209
11/2/2036
11/3/2026
11/4/2050
11/5/2030

*PCR testing is conducted on symptomatic individuals and individuals with positive Antigen testing results.

Total All PCR Tests# of PCR Negative# of PCR PositivePercentage Positive
121988135528.7%
Antigen* Test Date# of Antigen Tests Administered# of Antigen Negative Results# of Antigen Positive ResultsPercentage Positive
10/28/2020019194.7%
10/29/2010410133.0%
10/30/20676258.1%
11/2/20157143149.8%
11/3/2089791012.7%
11/4/201461252116.8%
11/5/20242222208.3%
Weekly total 1005923828.15%
Total All Antigen Tests418840141734.3%

*Antigen testing is conducted on asymptomatic and random volunteers.

Whippets Place 2nd at the Whitewater Sectional Meet, Qualify 6 Events for State Swim

It was certainly a great day to be a Whippet! The Whippets won 5 of 11 races and posted 17 out of 19 best times! Every team member scored points toward our team total. Event winners at each of the 4 Sectionals are automatic qualifiers for the State meet with the next 12 fastest times in all Sectionals combined also qualifying.

The 200 Medley Relay team started the meet off with a win ensuring a trip to the State meet next Friday. The team of Sophia Fanshaw, Ella Houwers, Grace Foucault, and Amber Krebs posted a season best time with their splits dropping over 2 seconds.

In the 200 Freestyle, Grace Foucault placed 2nd dropping over 2 seconds off her season best time. Amber Krebs raced to a 5th place finish, while teammate Karime Velazquez placed 12th with an 8 second drop, and Ashly Xochipa placed 14th with a best time scoring points for our team. The top 16 places in each event score points for our team.

Ella Houwers was the repeat Champion in the 200 Individual Medley with a season best time and earned a trip to State in this event.

Vicki Ramirez, Josie Treder and Brooke Bazeley all swam best times in the 50 Freestyle. Brooke Bazeley was able to finish in 11th place.

Vicki Ramirez and Karime Velazquez both dropped time in the 100 Butterfly with Vicki finishing in 10th place and Karime finishing in 9th, scoring points for the team.

Brooke Bazeley raced to a 6th place finish in the 500 Freestyle with a 14 second drop. What a great swim!

Our 200 Freestyle Relay of Ashly Xochipa, Karime Velazquez, Josie Treder, and Brooke Bazeley finished in 6th place with all splits being their personal best to finish with a season best time overall.

Ashly Xochipa continued to race well in the 100 Backstroke along with teammates Sophia Fanshaw and Grace Foucault. Sophia went a best time and placed second. Grace Foucault earned a trip to State with her win in the 100 Backstroke. Grace was also able to break the School Record formerly held by Ella Houwers, with her 1:01.36 in the 100 Backstroke.

Josie Treder continued to swim well dropping 10 seconds in the 100 Breaststroke and placed 11th. Sophia Fanshaw raced 3 events in a row and did well with a best time in the 100 Breaststroke placing 4th overall. Ella Houwers won the Breaststroke again with a 1:06.87 earning an automatic trip to State in this event also.

With very little rest, Sophia Fanshaw and Ella Houwers were joined by teammates Grace Foucault and Amber Krebs to win the last race of the day, the 400 Freestyle Relay. These four swimmers have automatically qualified both their relays for State today by winning their races.

We will await the final results of all the Sectionals to see if any more events qualify for the State meet. State will take place on Friday at Waukesha South High School.

Congratulations to the Whippets on a great team effort today!

UPDATE:
It’s official, the Whippets have added another event to the list of events headed to State this Friday. Congratulations to Grace Foucault on adding the 200 Freestyle to our list events for State on Friday!

Whitewater Qualifiers:

  • 200 Medley Relay: Sophia Fanshaw, Ella Houwers, Grace Foucault, Amber Krebs, Alternate Brooke Bazeley
  • 200 Freestyle – Grace Foucault
  • 200 Individual Medley – Ella Houwers
  • 100 Backstroke – Grace Foucault
  • 100 Breaststroke – Ella Houwers
  • 400 Freestyle Relay: Grace Foucault, Amber Krebs, Sophia Fanshaw, Ella Houwers, Alternate Brooke Bazeley

Article Submitted by Coach Gina Foucault

This Week’s City & School Board Virtual Meetings (Updated with sign ordinance review meeting)

Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Tues. @ 10:00 a.m.
For agenda click on “meetings” in upper right hand corner.
URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86331390058?pwd=dnNOUTk5TkFqc2k3NGR0R29lKzJ1UT09
Passcode: 344914
Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
Webinar ID: 863 3139 0058
Passcode: 344914

City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tues. @ 6:00 p.m.
Includes Discussion and Possible Action regarding Department of Public Works Facility – Space Needs Assessment & Master Planning Study; Click here for agenda
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/385818285
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (312) 757-3121
Access Code: 385-818-285

City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Commission
Sign Ordinance Amendment Review Subcommittee – Friday @ 9:00 a.m.
Click here for agenda.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/752595701
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (669) 224-3412
Access Code: 752-595-701