FOND DU LAC-- Wisconsin's number of confirmed COVID-19 or coronavirus, cases keeps growing.
Fond du Lac County had the biggest jump with 5 new cases from over the weekend bringing their total positive cases to 11.
The latest batch of tests from Fond du Lac County includes 5 positive and 25 negative, according to health officer Kim Mueller.
Mueller says the negative tests were people who thought they had contact with a confirmed case.
"Since the tests came back negative this tells us that community transition did not occur in these people. This does not mean that community transition isn't occurring though. It just means we don’t see it right now in the test results we received currently," said Mueller.
Out of the 11 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 9 of them were contracted during an Egyptian river cruise. The remaining people traveled within the United States. 3 people who tested positive are hospitalized, while the others are at home.
"Fond du lac county health department and the Wisconsin department of health services will be welcoming members of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) to help us with those that need to contact investigation," said Mueller.
Off-site testing is being done in the county, but leaders did not disclose where to avoid drawing crowds.
Fond du Lac's county executive says their team is looking at their own operations to avoid exposure.
"The sheriff's department is looking at less officer to individual contact by using the phone and other electronic media. The courts are meeting tomorrow to develop a strategy on how to minimize interaction with the public," said Allen Buechel, Fond du Lac County Executive.
Health officials expect to see some community transmission of COVID-19. They encourage keeping your distance from crowds and monitoring how you and the people around you are feeling.
Currently, local health officials are waiting for results on a few dozen tests.
There is a helpline specifically for Fond du Lac County residents who may have had contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case and have symptoms. That number is 1-844-225-0147.
