Winnebago County Reaches Substantial Level Of Community Spread Of Coronavirus And Issues Updated Guidance On Indoor Masking

Press release from the Fox Cities Chamber:

August 5, 2021

“Cases and hospitalizations have trended up since early July and are likely to continue. We need to work together to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and the impact it has on our community, schools and local economy,” said Doug Gieryn, Winnebago County Health Officer/Director. "To help minimize the spread of this virus locally, we need to vaccinate and mask up to protect those not yet vaccinated and those with an insufficient immune response to the vaccine.”

The Winnebago County Health Department continues to urge community members to get vaccinated. Local COVID-19 cases are dominated by the faster spreading Delta variant. Vaccination remains the single best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

“Hospitalizations are rare for fully vaccinated persons,” added Gieryn. “The best way to continue our path back toward normal is to increase the levels of vaccination in Winnebago County.”

"I understand that citizens across the county are able and willing to take different risks," said Winnebago County Executive Jon Doemel. "Each citizen must determine which mitigation efforts are best for them. Other governments, schools and businesses may institute requirements as they determine based on CDC and health department guidance. I respect any organization's attempt to implement mitigation requirements, and ask the community to do the same. We will continue to advise best practices for our residents. Vaccination is the best mitigation tool."

The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at preventing severe illness which can lead to hospitalization or death. Wearing masks, in addition to getting vaccinated, will help prevent the spread of the virus and protect those who are unvaccinated or immunocompromised. Vaccines are widely available throughout Winnebago County. Visit www.wcvaccine.org to find a location nearby.

www.wcvaccine.org

The new CDC guidelines also recommend that fully vaccinated people who have come into close contact with someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 be tested 3-5 days after exposure and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days after exposure or until a negative test result.

Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, should get tested and isolate until test results are known. There are several ways to get tested for the virus. Contact your doctor to ask if your primary healthcare clinic provides testing. If testing is not available, visit www.winnebagopublichealth.org or call the Winnebago County Health Department at 920-232-3026 to find a free community testing site. Free at-home collection kits are also available from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

This press release was produced by the Fox Cities Chamber. The views expressed here are the author’s own.