Wisconsin is experiencing in uptick in new COVID-19 cases.
The state is now averaging 221 new cases a day. Last week, the 7-day average was 138 new cases per day.
The 7-day average for deaths from covid has dropped from 2 per day to one.
Health officials attribute the rise to lack of vaccinated people and the increase in the Delta variant.
“Every one of these numbers, the cases, and the variants, and the people we have lost, represent your neighbors in the state. Also, I’d like you to know that I am not sharing these numbers with the intent to scare you. I’m sharing them so you have accurate information, from a trusted source, so you can make important decisions for yourself and for you family,” said Department of Health Service Deputy Secretary Julie Willems Van Dijk.
Right now, more than half of Wisconsinites have gotten at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The percentage within age groups vaccinated drops off the younger you go.
Wisconsin health officials are urging anyone who is attending school this fall to get their COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible.
There’s a vaccine available for kids as young as 12.
The Department of Health Services says getting as many students and staff vaccinated as possible will mean fewer disruptions to learning.
“Not only does the vaccine protect our students and make in person activities safer, it also can help make parents and guardians lives easier because vaccinated children don’t have to quarantine after a close contact. Of course, the same goes for fully vaccinated adults so it’s helpful to the entire family,” said Willems Van Dijk.
According to CDC and DHS guidance, adults and kids who are fully vaccinated do not need to quarantine after close contact with a confirmed case.
Many places across the state, and some schools, will also not be requiring fully vaccinated individuals to wear masks indoors.
The only vaccine available to the 12 to 15 age group is the Pfizer vaccine.
Because it requires two doses, students would need to get the vaccine in the next week or so to be fully immunized by the time school starts.
Vaccine.gov allows you to search for vaccination appointment based on the vaccine maker.
