For the Tomahawk Leader
LINCOLN COUNTY – The number of positive COVID-19 cases in Lincoln County has continued to decrease since February, and the county’s disease activity level has dropped from high to medium, according to a report released by the Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD) on Wednesday, March 31.
From March 1 to March 29, Lincoln County saw five new hospitalizations, with a total of 120 individuals hospitalized due to COVID-19, the report said. 4.3% of COVID-19 tests came back positive, resulting in 32 new cases, and one COVID-19-associated death occurred, bringing the county’s total to 58.
13 new probable COVID-19 cases were reported, resulting in 206 total probable cases. The county saw three additional probable COVID-19-associated deaths, bringing the total to 20.
“A person is counted as a probable case or death of COVID-19 if they are not positive (confirmed) by a confirmatory laboratory test method (ex: PCR or NAT test), but have either tested positive using an antigen testing method, have symptoms of COVID-19 AND known exposure to COVID-19, or COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 is listed on the death certificate,” LCHD stated.
According to the report, 7,429 Lincoln County residents (26.9%) had received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine as of Monday, March 29. Of those in the county age 65 and older, 4,536 (74.1%) had received at least one vaccine dose.
“Starting Monday, April 5, everyone 16 and older will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine,” LCHD said. “However, priority will be for those previously eligible, such as those 65 and older or those with a medication condition. In Lincoln County, there are many places to be vaccinated, including health care providers, pharmacies and the health department.”
To sign up for LCHD’s wait list, call 715-539-1375 or email [email protected].
The Northcentral Wisconsin Community COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic at Northcentral Technical College’s Wausau Campus (1000 W. Campus Drive, Wausau) will open on Tuesday, April 6. The clinic will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Appointments are required. Register online at www.vaccinate.wi.gove/en-US/.
“To keep our community safe, even once you have had COVID-19 or have been vaccinated, it is important to continue to wear your mask, practice physical distancing, wash your hands often, staying home when you are sick,” LCHD stated. “Thank you for that you do to help keep our community healthy and safe.”
COVID-19 updates can be found on LCHD’s website at www.lincolncountyhealthdepartment.com.