BROWN COUNTY (NBC 26) -- The Brown County Health Department confirmed Friday the county now has a total of five deaths related to coronavirus.
Additionally, Brown County now has 1,163 confirmed coronavirus cases, an increase of 114 total cases. Oneida Nation has eight cases. Thirty-eight people have been hospitalized.
One-hundred-and-seventy people are out of isolation, meaning they are no longer viewed as a threat for spreading the virus.
This comes as more testing for the virus is underway. A drive-through testing site has been set up at the Resch Center for employees and their families from identified critical industries. The testing is for employees of any long-term care facility, group housing, healthcare facility and non-health care related facilities. To be tested, the individual needs a note from their doctor.
According to Brown County health officials, on the first day of operations, health officials and the National Guard were able to conduct 241 tests. Testing will continue Friday and through the weekend as long as there is a demand from focused employers. Brown County is relying on employers to communicate for testing.
Previously, clusters of coronavirus cases were reported at local meat packing companies. Brown County health officials said Friday that JBS and American Foods Group are wrapping up testing for employees. The new numbers released by Brown County on Friday show that JBS has 290 employees with coronavirus and 58 linked cases. American Foods Group has 203 employees with coronavirus and 38 linked cases.
With the weather expected to be pleasant this weekend, officials with the Brown County Health Department want to remind the public to avoid social gatherings. Health officials continue to ask people to practice social distancing and stay home if you're sick.
