The Wisconsin Department of Health Services on Monday issued a public health advisory, calling on all Wisconsinites to take urgent action to prevent additional hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19. This comes as the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is anticipated to cause a rapid increase in disease activity in the coming weeks. Of high concern is the fact that the state’s health care system is already strained, and the added burden of a surge could lead to situations where patients experiencing medical emergencies may not be able to receive immediate, adequate, life-saving attention and care due to lack of hospital capacity.
Governor Evers added “I urge every Wisconsinite to take immediate action and get the COVID-19 vaccine and your booster dose if you haven’t received it already – this is critically important for mitigating surges in hospitalizations and deaths across our state. Please get the vaccine, continue following public health best practices, and do your part to help slow the spread of the Omicron variant.”
Acting earlier on Monday, the Sheboygan County Division of Public Health announced the inclusion of “data spotlights” in the weekly updates, on their website, and on social media. The spotlights will regularly include information about state rates for COVID illness after vaccination, and the southeast region hospital capacity among other information as it becomes necessary.
The County DPH also noted that November 2021 was the third highest month of new confirmed cases so far during the pandemic with 2,208 cases, yielding only to October of 2020 with 3,376 cases, and November 2020 with 3,679 cases.
In order to stop the spread and help relieve pressure on the local health care system, the County Division of Public Health is urging that the public take the following action:
● Keep gatherings outside of your immediate household small.
● Get vaccinated. Everyone ages 5 and older are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
● Get a booster dose if you have completed your vaccine series.
● Physically distance at least 6 feet while in public, indoor settings.
● Wear a cloth face mask while in public, indoor settings.
● Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
● Self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days after returning from travel.
● If you feel sick, stay home and get tested for COVID-19.
● Work with public health officials if you have tested positive or are a close contact.
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