FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
7/27/21
CONTACT: Susan Kunferman, Wood County Health Department Director/Health Officer
(715) 421-8911
Walk-in Clinic for Students and Dispelling Misinformation
Wisconsin Rapids, WI – The Delta variant has caused a rise in COVID cases across the U.S. As of July 26, 2021, the seven day average of confirmed cases in Wisconsin is 351 cases per day. That is 2.6 times higher than two weeks ago, when the 7-day average was 137 cases per day (Wisconsin Department of Health Services). Wood County is seeing a rise in cases as well. The Delta variant is a naturally occurring mutation of the SARS CoV-2 virus, the virus that causes COVID-19. The Delta variant was originally identified in India in December 2020, and was detected in the United States in March 2021 and in Wisconsin in April 2021.
The most effective tool to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including the Delta variant, is to get vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccines available in the U.S. have shown to provide good protection against the Delta variant. Learn the facts and find a COVID-19 vaccine near you.
Get your child fully vaccinated before they go back to school so they can stay off the sidelines and enjoy the school year. If your child starts school on September 1st, they should get vaccinated THIS Wednesday, July 28th. A walk-in clinic at East Jr High Fieldhouse on 311 Lincoln Street in Wisconsin Rapids is being held from 4-6pm. Individuals vaccinated at this clinic are eligible to win prizes.
People who are fully vaccinated do not have to quarantine if they’ve been around someone who has COVID-19 (unless they develop symptoms). This means no more missing school or extracurricular activities for students age 12+ if fully vaccinated.
The Wood County Health Department is holding a coloring contest. All children are eligible to participate. The coloring pages need to be completed and returned by August 10th. There will be 9 drawings for $25 gift certificates. Coloring pages are available here. Coloring pages can be emailed or printed and mailed to participants; contact Lindsey at lkoehn@co.wood.wi.us.
Last week the U.S. Surgeon General released an advisory warning regarding the urgent threat of false information around COVID-19. This false information increases vaccine hesitancy, leaving people believing vaccine myths and ultimately puts lives at risk. For more information about COVID-19 vaccine safety and efficacy visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services or the Centers for Disease Control.
The Wood County Health Department Community Needs Tasks Force invites community members, business owners, and community organizations to take a 5-7 minute survey about resources, COVID-19 vaccination, and more! This survey will help us understand what support is needed for the community to recover from COVID-19. Responses are anonymous. Providing your contact information is optional. Clinic here to take the survey.
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