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0000017b-185c-d2e5-a37b-5cff92510000Wisconsin State and Local Government Sources: Wisconsin Department of Health Services: COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019)Oneida County Health DepartmentVilas County Health DepartmentLincoln County Health DepartmentMarathon County Health Department Langlade County Health DepartmentWestern Upper Peninsula Health DepartmentForest County Health DepartmentFederal Government Sources:Centers for Disease Control (CDC)Risk Assessment PageSituation Summary PageState Department Travel AdvisoriesWorld Health Organization (WHO)WHO Question and Answer Page

COVID-19 Cases Drop Slightly, DHS Introduces New Vaccine Finder Tool

Wisconsin DHS

Wisconsin seems to be in a bit of a holding pattern when it comes to COVID-19 cases and vaccinations.

The 7-day average of new cases has dropped a bit from a slight peak last week.

We’re now averaging 641 cases a day.

Wisconsin hasn’t experienced the jump in cases like Michigan saw with the variant cases increasing.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ryan Westergaard says we’re by no means out of the woods yet.

“Looking to Michigan to see that it actually is possible. Climate is the same. The population is similar. The landscape is similar enough that I think we ought to be concerned and certainly don’t let our guard down,” said Dr. Westergaard.

Demand for vaccines in Wisconsin still outweighs supply, though that gap is closing.

More than 4-million doses of the vaccine have been administered so far with 41-percent of the population having received at least one shot.

Westergaard says the most common reason he sees for people holding off on getting vaccinated is because of how new they are.

He says it’s a valid concern and encourages people to talk with their healthcare provider about it.

“The more we learn about these vaccines, the better we feel about their safety and about their effectiveness. I think bringing people along requires having these, first of all listening closely and being open and honest about what we know and don’t know. Help people make an informed decision,” said Dr. Westergaard.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is starting use ‘Vaccine Finder’ as a way for people find vaccine available near them.

This will replace the DHS map of vaccine providers.

The online tool lets you search for vaccines by location and type.

DHS Deputy Secretary Julie Willems Van Dijk says this will be especially helpful for 16 and 17 year-olds.

“Because the Pfizer vaccine is the only one authorized for use for 16- and 17-year-olds, the ability to search specifically for Pfizer will be especially helpful for families vaccinate their eligible teens,” said Willems Van Dijk.

Nearly 30-percent of Wisconsin’s population is fully vaccinated.

Katie Thoresen is WXPR's News Director/Vice President.
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