The number of positive test results for the COVID-19 virus in Kewaunee and Door counties saw its largest one-week increases as Kewaunee County's Public Health Department urged residents to take the precautions it's recommended since the pandemic began in March.

Kewaunee County reported 68 new positive tests between Sept. 8 and 15, far surpassing the 36 new cases reported from Aug. 25 to Sept. 1. With a total of 290 positives since testing began, that's a 30% increase in positives for the past week, and with 193 test results coming in, the rate of positive tests for the week was 35.2%. The number of active cases rose by 29 over that span, from 36 to 65.

Of the 290 cases, 144 have been reported in the past four weeks (since Aug. 18), doubling the county's total in that time.

Only one of the active cases currently is hospitalized and the death toll attributed to COVID-19 complications in the county remains at two, with the last on July 20. Recovered cases are at 223, up 39 from the week before.

A total of 3,875 tests have come back negative. The rate of positive tests since testing began is 7%, up from 5.7% as of Sept. 8. As of Tuesday, 163 results are pending.

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Cindy Kinnard, Kewaunee County Public Health Department director, told the Kewaunee County Star-News the recent increase is attributable to a number of events across the county, such as wedding ceremonies, camping and family gatherings.

Kinnard added that residents should practice the same precautions recommended throughout the spring and summer: wearing face masks in public, practicing social distancing, avoiding or limiting large social gatherings, washing hands frequently and staying home when sick.

“We are noticing a spike across the board in all age ranges," Kinnard said in a press release, "and we need everyone to continue to take COVID-19 as well as precautionary measures seriously in order to stop the spread, especially as we approach influenza season.”

The message from Kewaunee County coincides with a new campaign from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services called "You Stop The Spread." Officials are asking the public to take to social media using the hashtag #YouStopTheSpread and post a picture of themselves wearing a mask, washing hands or social distancing. They're also asking participants to share why they are doing their part, such as protecting older relatives or essential workers.

Door County saw 43 more positive cases from the 157 reported Sept. 8, a 27.4% increase, giving it an overall total of 200 positives as of Tuesday, Sept. 15. There are 48 active cases — 26 more than the week before — and 149 have recovered, an increase of 17.

With 354 results coming in over that week, the rate of positive tests was 12.1%. A total of 6,399 tests were negative since testing began. Three Door residents have died from COVID-19 complications but none since early May. As of Tuesday, 422 results are pending.

Flu vaccines available in Kewaunee County

Kewaunee County also announced it is offering flu vaccine clinics for adults Oct. 2 and 6 in Luxemburg and Algoma, with other dates available by appointment in Kewaunee. Kinnard said it's important for people to stay healthy while the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

“This year is particularly important for people to get an influenza vaccine and protect themselves from illness as much as possible since COVID-19 is still such a concern,” Kinnard said.

Appointments are required at all locations to make sure the vaccines are available. Cost is $30 (cash or check), or the health department can bill Medicare Part B, United Healthcare Network and Humana Insurances; those using insurance should bring their insurance cards to the appointment. 

The flu vaccines will be given Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to noon at Ahnapee Town Hall, 303 N. Water St., Algoma; and 1 to 3 p.m. in the Expo Hall at the Kewaunee County Fairgrounds, 625 Third St., Luxemburg. They also will  be given Oct. 6 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Expo Hall and 1 to 3 p.m. at Ahnapee Town Hall. Vaccines are available at the Kewaunee County Public Health Department, 810 Lincoln St., Kewaunee, by appointment only.

For those feeling sick, Kinnard said there aren't major differences between symptoms for the flu and COVID-19 complications, except for a possible loss of smell or taste that can happen with COVID-19. She said anyone experiencing flu or lingering cold symptoms should get tested for COVID-19.

To make a vaccine appointment, call 920-388-7160.

Contact Christopher Clough at 920-741-7952, 920-562-8900 or [email protected]

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Kewaunee, Door counties set one-week highs for COVID-19 cases; Kewaunee offering flu shots