Covid-19 cases spike, outbreaks tied to parties

The number of Covid-19 cases in Ozaukee County spiked on Sunday, Aug. 9, just days after health officials announced they have traced several outbreaks to summer parties.

In a press release issued last week, Washington Ozaukee Public Health Director Kirsten Johnson said the increase in Covid-19 cases is largely due to young adults, tracing it specifically to graduation parties held in the Mequon-Thiensville area.

“In one instance, an individual attended three separate social gatherings while symptomatic before testing positive,” Johnson said in the release. 

The number of Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people over the last two weeks in the county hit 265.6 over the weekend but as of Tuesday, Aug. 11, had dropped to 262.3.  Total cases reported stood at 737 Tuesday. The number of deaths in the county attributed to the coronavirus has risen to 18.

Meanwhile, Johnson’s department has set up an email address — covidcomplaints@washozwi.gov — where people can register complaints regarding people not wearing masks or businesses not requiring their use in violation of Gov. Tony Evers’ recent mask mandate.

However, the department website indicates there may not be a response to complaints.

“Due to a large volume of calls and emails, response times may be delayed. If you email us to file a complaint, the health department will document the complaint and only follow up if necessary,” the website says.

In addition, in response to a frequently asked question, “What do I do if I see someone not wearing a mask, even though they should be?” the website advises: “Nothing. Some people have conditions or circumstances that would make wearing a cloth face covering difficult or dangerous. Just wear your mask and stay six feet away.”

Ozaukee County Sheriff Jim Johnson last week said he does not intend to investigate reports of people not wearing masks, discouraged people from calling his office and said the governor’s order gives public health departments the power to report violations to the district attorney.

On Wednesday, Ozaukee County District Attorney Adam Gerol said he would consider pursuing prosecution if any violations are referred to his office but had so far received no referrals.

Kirsten Johnson’s department has hired additional “contact tracers,” investigators who interview those who test positive to see whom they have come into contact. 

Johnson’s press release indicates not everyone is cooperating with investigators.

“In order to slow the spread of Covid-19, the health department urges the community’s support and cooperation with contact tracing,” the press release said. 

“In order for contact tracing to be effective, it is important that all positive cases respond to the health department’s request for a positive case interview.”

If a person who has tested positive is interviewed by the health department, people are asked about their symptoms, where they have been and people they have been with. 

“If that information is not provided during the interview, or if the interview is refused, contacts that should be completing a quarantine are missed, attendees at an event may be unaware of their exposure and the virus continues to spread,” the press release said.

Personal information collected by the department is kept confidential.