Star Journal Report

The Oneida County Health Department (OCHD) is reporting that over the last few weeks, COVID-19 cases have continued to rise through the state of Wisconsin, including Oneida County. Per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) COVID data tracker, Oneida County has moved into experiencing substantial community spread.

“In alignment with CDC and Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), to reduce community spread, OCHD is now providing the following mask guidance:

• Everyone, age 2 and older should wear a mask in public indoor settings, even if they have been vaccinated.
• Unvaccinated people age 12 and older should also consider getting vaccinated – this will make a difference.”

Updated guidance from the CDC for people who are identified as a close contact of someone who tests positive for COVID-19 has also been released.  It states fully vaccinated people should be tested 3-5 days after exposure, and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result. Unvaccinated people should be tested 5-7 days after a close contact exposure and quarantine for 14 days after the last day of exposure.

ALSO FROM OCHD:

“With school beginning soon, it is important to be aware that COVID-19 in kids can range from mild to severe illness. Nearly 400 pediatric deaths have been reported since the beginning of the pandemic; COVID-19 is now a top 10 cause of death for adolescents in the United States.

“Wearing a mask and getting vaccinated are the two best preventative measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, including the Delta variant for both adults and children. These measures, along with staying home when sick, keeping distance from others, avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, and washing your hands will help prevent the spread of this illness.

“The more people who are vaccinated, the better chance we have at stopping the spread of this virus, and preventing new variants from emerging. Vaccination is the best way to protect you, your family, and your community. Go to vaccines.gov to find a COVID-19 vaccine near you.”