Masking up, getting vaccinated provide best protection, health department said
For the Tomahawk Leader
LINCOLN COUNTY – The Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD) on Wednesday, Aug. 4 said Lincoln County is experiencing “substantial community spread” of COVID-19, citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s COVID-19 Data Tracker.
31 people in Lincoln County tested positive for COVID-19 between July 19 and Aug. 3, according to LCHD.
“Breakthrough infections have remained low, as only four of these individuals were fully vaccinated,” LCHD stated, citing the Wisconsin Electronic Disease Surveillance System. “During this timeframe, over half of the COVID-19 infections have occurred in individuals under the age of 30. Two individuals have been hospitalized during this time period; both were unvaccinated.”
COVID-19 cases have also increased throughout the state.
“In areas with substantial and high community transmission, the CDC and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) recommend that everyone, including fully vaccinated individuals, wear a mask in public indoor settings to help prevent spread of the spread of COVID-19,” LCHD stated.
The CDC also recommends fully vaccinated individuals who have a known exposure to someone suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 be tested three to five days after exposure and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days, or until they receive a negative test result.
“Wearing a mask and getting vaccinated are the two best ways to slow the spread of COVID-19, including the Delta variant,” LCHD stated. “In addition, staying home when sick, physical distancing, avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, and washing your hands can help prevent the spread of this illness.”
LCHD said COVID-19 infections, including the Delta variant, occur in only a small proportion of people who are fully vaccinated, and vaccinated individuals who test positive for COVID-19 usually experience mild symptoms.
As of July 22, 0.1% of fully vaccinated individuals in Wisconsin have become infected with COVD-19.
“Because no vaccine is 100% effective, some breakthrough infections are expected,” LCHD stated.
LCHD said the COVID-19 vaccines “(continue) to be effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death” and also “(help) to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in communities and (prevent) new variants, like Delta, from emerging.”
“Vaccination is the best way to protect you, your family, and your community,” LCHD stated.
To find a vaccination site, visit www.vaccines.gov.
LCHD will host Pfizer vaccines clinics this month. Learn more at www.tomahawkleader.com/2021/08/03/lchd-highlights-national-immunization-awareness-month-will-host-pfizer-vaccine-clinics-in-august/.
LCHD said it is not planning any more vaccine clinics after Aug. 25.