By Jalen Maki
Tomahawk Leader Editor
LINCOLN COUNTY – The Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD) said on Thursday, Sept. 16 that COVID-19 activity is “very high” both in the county and throughout that state, and that “more symptoms and faster spread throughout the home, schools, worksites, and gatherings” have been reported recently compared to this time last year.
According to LCHD, between Aug. 18 and Wednesday, Sept. 15, 32% of the 771 COVID-19 tests taken in the county came back positive. 229 new COVID-19 cases were reported.
Most of the individuals who tested positive were under the age of 70, and 12.3% of the individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 in that time frame were vaccinated, LCHD said.
Eight people were hospitalized, and four deaths were reported.
Lincoln County’s vaccination rate remains below 50%, but increased slightly since the beginning of the month. As of Sept. 15, 12,926 county residents (46.8%) had completed a vaccine series, an increase of 248 individuals since Sept. 1.
LCHD said it is working to follow-up with cases and contacts “in a timely manner.”
“While residents wait for a call or letter with isolation or quarantine guidance, we ask that they self-quarantine and monitor their symptoms,” LCHD stated. “Unvaccinated household contacts should be staying home and monitoring for symptoms as well. Regardless of vaccination status, if symptoms arise, get tested.”
A list of local testing sites can be found at www.co.lincoln.wi.us/health/page/where-can-you-get-tested.
LCHD pointed to the COVID-19 vaccines’ effectiveness in “preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death,” noting that the vaccines “also (help) prevent new variants of the virus from appearing, like the Delta variant.”
“The best way to protect yourself, your family and your community is to get vaccinated,” LCJHD said.
To find a vaccination site, visit www.vaccines.gov.
Individuals should expect to come into contact with COVID-19 when leaving home, LCHD said, adding that individuals should “take the proper preventable precautions.”
“We ask all community members to follow public health recommendations of getting vaccinated if eligible, wearing face coverings, avoiding large gatherings, staying home when sick, physical distancing, and washing hands often,” LCHD stated.
LCHD provides updates on its Facebook page and website numerous times weekly. COVID-19 case counts are shared on Facebook each Monday, while weekly situational reports, including activity level, vaccination rates, breakthrough cases, hospitalizations, deaths, and more, are released on Thursdays.
Visit www.co.lincoln.wi.us/health/page/lincoln-county-covid-19-data-updates for more COVID-19 information.