Wisconsin is averaging 3,659 new COVID-19 cases a day right now. About 25 people a day are dying from the virus.
Both of those number are about half of what the state was averaging during the peak last year, but the Department of Health Services says those numbers could still be much lower if more people got vaccinated.
Vaccinations
State data shows 61% of the population has gotten at least one dose of the vaccine.
The state has seen a slight uptick in the number of vaccinations last two weeks. That’s also reflected in counties in the Northwoods.
Last week, the number of Oneida County residents that got vaccinated was almost triple what that got shots in the middle of October.
Still, several counties in the Northwoods lag the state average when it comes to vaccinations.
Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, and Price counties have fewer than 60% of their populations with at least one dose.
New DHS data also shows the number of 5- to 11-year-olds getting vaccinated.
Statewide, about 18% of that age group has gotten at least one dose.
That number is significantly lower in Northwoods counties.
Oneida, Price, and Iron Counties have the highest percentages in that age group with around 11 to 12 percent of 5- to 11-year-old with a dose.
At less than 4%, Forest and Langlade counties have some of the lowest vaccination rates in the state for that age group.
Hospitalizations
The high number of hospitalizations remains one of the biggest problems in the state.
Nearly all hospitals in the North Central region are at or near capacity and the number of hospitalizations have been growing in the last two weeks.
More than 200 people in the region are currently hospitalized because of COVID-19.
Last week, DHS announced it was requesting FEMA teams to help in ICUs.
Health officials urge people to get vaccinated, wear a mask in public places, and stay home if you’re sick.
