Contributed by Monroe County Health Department
Monroe County moved into the high-risk level of community transmission for Covid-19 on Aug. 11, according to the CDC Covid-19 Data Tracker.
Therefore, at this time, it is recommended that all individuals age 2 and older, regardless of vaccination status, continue to wear a mask when in indoor public spaces and at indoor gatherings. The CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all K-12 teachers, staff, students, and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status.
This recommendation from public health officials follows an increase in Covid-19 cases in Monroe County. The increase in cases is likely due to the Delta variant, which has been spreading rapidly across the nation. Monroe County’s seven-day case rate on Aug. 10 was 121 cases/100,000 population/week, a more than six-fold increase from 19 cases/100,000 population/week on July 1.
Anyone experiencing Covid-19 symptoms, even if they are vaccinated, should stay at home and get tested. To find out where you can get tested locally, go to healthymonroecowi.org/covid-19.
Layered levels of protection continue to be recommended to help slow the rate of transmission. In addition to masking, wash your hands frequently, maintain distance when possible, and disinfect and sanitize surfaces often.
Vaccinations are a safe and effective tool to help reduce the severity of illness and risk of hospitalization with Covid-19. These vaccines also have been shown to offer good protection against the Delta variant.
The Monroe County Health Department continues to offer free Covid-19 vaccines at our office location, 315 W. Oak St., Sparta.
If you would like to receive a Covid-19 vaccine, visit vaccinate.wi.gov to schedule an appointment online, or call 269-8666. Walk-in appointments are available during business hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday).
