Racine County – The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is reporting an upward trend in COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin, including an increased proportion of COVID-19 infections that are the Delta variant. This variant is highly infectious and is spreading more quickly than other strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes COVID-19 disease.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 Data Tracker, Racine County has seen a three-fold increase in COVID-19 cases in the past week, and is now in the substantial (orange) category for level of community transmission.
City of Racine Public Health Department (CoRPHD) and Central Racine County Health Department (CRCHD) strongly encourage residents to get their COVID-19 vaccine wherever it is most convenient. According to Margaret Gesner, Health Officer at CRCHD, “getting vaccinated is our best mechanism to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.”
“It is imperative for the safety and health of our communities that eligible individuals receive the COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible,” added Dottie-Kay Bowersox, Public Health Administrator for the City of Racine. “Vaccine is plentiful and available at many locations throughout the City and County. Now is not the time to relax against this virus. We must protect ourselves and those who are not able to be vaccinated such as children under the age of twelve years.”
You can find the vaccine provider closest to you by visiting the CDC Vaccine Finder. In addition to getting vaccinated, CoRPHD and CRCHD strongly encourage Racine County residents to adhere to the updated CDC guidelines and wear a masks in public indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status. Science has shown that wearing a mask over your mouth and nose reduces respiratory droplets and aerosols that spread COVID-19.
By getting vaccinated and adhering to mask guidelines, Racine County residents can do their part in reducing the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
More local information about COVID-19 can be found online on the Racine Coronavirus and CRCHD websites.
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