MILWAUKEE — Mercury Marine, one of the biggest employers in southeast Wisconsin, confirms that one of its employees died of COVID-19.
That victim is the first, and only, death related to coronavirus in Fond du Lac County.
Employees at Mercury Marine who worked near that employee who tested positive for COVID-19, were put on quarantine immediately. Representatives of Mercury Marine say the factory was thoroughly disinfected. Their latest decision to limit operations matches other companies around the world who are trying to stop the spread of the virus.
“It will be most of Mercury, but not all of distribution so there are parts of Mercury that will run in a very limited fashion to ensure that we are keeping our employees safe,” a company spokesperson wrote.
"We extend our support, condolences, thoughts and prayers to the employee’s family and friends at this time. The company has communicated the news to our workforce around the world. In deference to the family, we will not identify the employee nor have any further to say at this time," a statement from Mercury Marine reads.
The Fond du Lac County Health Department says the man who died was in his 50’s and had an underlying health condition. He recently returned home to Wisconsin from an Egyptian River Cruise.
“It’s unfortunate,” said Kimberly Mueller, Fond du Lac County Health Officer. “It’s the last thing we ever wanted to happen. Our hearts go out to his family.”
The Health Department also revealing that another person in Fond du Lac County has tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total there to 15.
Nine of those 15 people were on the Egyptian River Cruise. The six others also recently returned from travel in the U.S. or abroad. That means there is no sign of community spread in Fond du Lac County, according to the Health Department.
They want to keep it that way. Mueller says the Health Department is now working closely with law enforcement to ensure everyone, including restaurants and businesses, are following social distancing orders.
“We are taking this seriously,” Mueller said. “It isn’t just going to be a slap on the wrist. We have the backing of our police and district attorney to do what’s necessary to help ensure social distancing.”
Mueller also sharing that one person in Fond du Lac County who tested positive for COVID-19 is now out of isolation.
Also, three of the people in Fond du Lac County who tested positive for coronavirus are still in the hospital. Two of them were on the Egyptian River Cruise. One recently traveled within the U.S. The others who tested positive are in isolation at home.
To read the full press release from Mercury Marine on closing, click here.