County COVID-19 numbers continue to climb

The number of COVID-19 cases in Taylor County is continuing to climb and health officials are urging people to use caution.

As of Wednesday, the county is reporting 636 cumulative total cases, this is up over 100 cases from last week. There were 37 new cases reported on Wednesday with 380 people quarantined and 10 local residents hospitalized. The COVID-19-related death count as reported by the Taylor County Medical Examiner’s office also increased by two to a total of nine residents for whom COVID-19 was listed as one of the causes of death.

Medford School District continues to be hit with rolling quarantines with another 75 students at the high school placed on quarantine between Monday and Tuesday. The majority of those students are expected to return to school on Nov. 12.

Health department officials have also identified the following three area businesses as having exposure risk: Sue’s Cafe in Medford — If you were at Sue’s Café from October 23 to November 1, health officials are encouraging anyone who was at this place of business to monitor for symptoms through November 15.

Cattail Tap in Rib Lake — If you were at the CatTail Tap on November 1 from 12-9 p.m., they are encouraging anyone who was at this place of business to monitor for symptoms through November 15.

Zondlo’s Bar in Rib Lake — If you were at Zondlo’s on October 31, they are encouraging anyone who was at this place of business to monitor for symptoms through November 14.

Common COVID-19 symptoms include: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea and other symptoms that can be found on the Wisconsin Department of Health Services COVID-19 information page. If symptoms do develop, please contact your health care provider for further information. We remind everyone to social distance, wear a facial covering when in public or a confined space, wash your hands, avoid large gatherings, and stay home if you feel sick.