Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) held the final event of the "Thank You Tour: Moving Forward Together" event series to thank Wisconsin communities for their COVID-19 response efforts. Our last stop was in Milwaukee to recognize local public health officials from the southeastern region for their efforts over the past two years. 

The "Thank You Tour: Moving Forward Together" kicked off in March. Since then, DHS officials have participated in 18 different events across 14 counties. Stops included local and tribal health departments, aging and disability resource centers, COVID-19 vaccination and testing sites, health care facilities, vaccination community outreach grant awardees, schools, and health care industry events. DHS officials engaged in round table discussions with local leaders and staff, health care facility tours, and appreciation events throughout the state. 

Since the Thank You Tour began, DHS has received over 200 messages of gratitude from people across the state. Wisconsinites can still show support for their COVID-19 heroes by recognizing someone in their lives who has been involved in the COVID-19 response. You can submit a note of appreciation on the DHS website. 

Visit our testing page to learn the different ways you can get tested.

Last week, Wisconsin experienced increased ICU hospitalizations and deaths of people diagnosed with COVID-19. Taking steps to control the spread of COVID-19 remains important, especially to make sure hospitals have the capacity to provide the full range of health care. In addition, many people, particularly older adults and people with underlying health conditions, remain at risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and death.    

Individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19, have tested positive, or were exposed to someone with COVID-19 should continue to follow isolation and quarantine recommendations.  

To find the latest guidance for your community, visit COVID.gov. 

Most people who get COVID-19 have mild illness and can treat themselves at home with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to decrease fever and discomfort. For people who are at higher risk of experiencing severe COVID-19 illness, medications called monoclonal antibodies and oral antivirals are available throughout the state. 

COVID-19 oral antivirals are pills taken by mouth at home after someone has tested positive for COVID-19. They help the body fight off the virus that causes COVID-19 and are proven to reduce serious symptoms that can lead to hospitalization and death. A prescription is required for these medications. These treatments need to start within five days of symptom onset, so it is important that people who develop symptoms of COVID-19 do not delay – they should test and seek treatment right away. Oral antiviral pills are available at nearly 600 pharmacies across the state. To get a prescription, you can visit a healthcare provider, a community health center, walk-in clinic, or find a Test to Treat site near you.  

Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced molecules that help the immune system recognize and respond more effectively to the virus. Monoclonal antibody treatment is given in a health care setting by intravenous (IV) injection. This treatment is also proven to reduce serious symptoms that can lead to hospitalization and death. There is also a monoclonal antibodies medication used for prevention of COVID-19 in people unlikely to produce an immune response to COVID-19 vaccination. Click here to learn more about available treatments.