Wisconsin Department of Health Services Digital Updates

COVID-19 Response and Vaccination Update

Wisconsin Department of Health Services sent this bulletin at 10/24/2022 05:00 PM CDT

COVID-19 Update

Wisconsin COVID-19 news, data, Governor’s news, and resources for the week of October 24, 2022.

DHS News

Halloween 2022: How to Celebrate Safely

Celebrate Halloween safely with public health best practices to protect yourself and others against COVID-19. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) recommends people 2 years and older to wear a mask in the following situations and settings:

In all indoor spaces in areas with a high COVID-19 Community Level.
In health care settings (such as a hospital, clinic, or doctor's office) when required by the facility.
For 10 days after being exposed to COVID-19.

For at least 10 days after developing symptoms or testing positive for COVID-19.

However, you can choose to wear a mask any time based on your personal risk factors and preferences. For more information on masking, visit the DHS website.

Don't Forget Your Mask: Wear a mask if you've been exposed to COVID-19

DHS-Supported COVID-19 Community Testing Sites to Shift to Rapid Antigen Testing

COVID-19 testing sites supported by DHS have shifted to a new model of testing that uses antigen tests first to provide rapid results to individuals. Sites will continue to provide PCR testing when confirmatory results are needed for individuals with symptoms who have a negative antigen result. 

To find a community testing site near you, visit the DHS website. It is updated daily to show all testing sites that have been reported to DHS. The map and the list of sites include important information about each site’s requirements around appointments, walk-ins, age groups served, and contact information for the site. Anyone in need of testing is encouraged to contact their local testing site in advance to confirm hours, and any need for an appointment or pre-registration.

Community testing Sites Shifting to Rapid Antigen-First Testing

COVID-19 Testing Resources for You 

If you are feeling ill or if you may have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, using a COVID-19 self-test is a safe and highly effective method for detecting COVID-19 infection. 

COVID-19 self-tests can be purchased at local pharmacy or retail stores. Each Wisconsin household is also eligible to order a package of COVID-19 self-tests that contain five tests for free at sayyescovidhometest.org. All health plans are also required to cover the cost of over the counter, at-home rapid COVID-19 tests for their members. COVID-19 tests may either be covered by the insurer with no upfront cost or reimbursed by the insurer. 

If you think any package of COVID-19 tests you have at home may be expired, check before you throw it out! The FDA has extended the expiration dates for many of the COVID-19 self-tests that are widely available at stores and pharmacies. To check if your package of COVID-19 tests has an extended expiration date, people can find more information here on all the FDA-authorized brands, as well as specific information on iHealth brand tests that includes a tool to search your package’s expiration here. 

In addition to at-home self-tests, community testing sites remain accessible across Wisconsin. Find a site near you by dialing 211 or visiting the DHS Community Testing information page. 

COVID-19 Therapeutics 

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 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 health care clinic, a community health center, walk-in clinic or a Test to Treat site, and for Paxlovid, you may be able to get a prescription from a pharmacist.   

Data

3 Wisconsin counties are in the “high” COVID-19 Community Level category: Barron, Rusk, and Crawford.

Know Your Community Level   

Wisconsin’s seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases has stayed steady at around 857 new cases a day. Taking steps to control the spread of COVID-19 is important for you and your family. Many people, particularly older adults, and people with underlying health conditions, remain at risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and death. Help to ensure that hospitals have the capacity to provide the full range of health care to the communities we live in by following CDC and DHS guidance.    

As of October 21, 2022, CDC data indicate 3 Wisconsin counties are in the “high” COVID-19 Community Level category: Barron, Rusk, and Crawford. In addition, 21 Wisconsin counties are experiencing a medium COVID-19 Community Level, and 48 are experiencing a low COVID-19 Community Level. Residents in counties with a high COVID-19 Community Level are recommended to wear a well-fitting mask or respirator in public indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status.  

Click here for more county level data.  

In addition, DHS urges all Wisconsinites to take the following actions to help keep COVID-19 levels low in our communities:   

Know the COVID-19 Community Level where you live or are traveling to and follow the associated guidelines.  
Stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines by getting all recommended vaccines and booster doses. 
Get tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms or were exposed to someone with COVID-19. Self-tests can be purchased at local pharmacy or retail stores. In addition to at-home self-tests, community testing sites remain accessible across Wisconsin. Find a site near you by dialing 211 or visiting the DHS Community Testing information page.  
Stay home if you are sick or test positive for COVID-19 and talk to a health care provider or visit a community clinic to ask about available treatments. For free, confidential assistance finding a doctor or community clinic near you, dial 211.

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.

COVID-19 by the Numbers

• Cases
• Deaths
• Disease Activity
• Race and Ethnic Disparities
• Vaccine

Governor’s News 

Gov. Evers, DATCP Announce Additional $10 Million Investment in Food Security Initiative

From the Governor's desk - On October 20th, the Governor's Office along with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), announced an additional investment of $10 million in the state’s two largest hunger relief organizations. This announcement brings the Governor’s total investment in food security to $65 million since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

This investment is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. Feeding Wisconsin and Hunger Task Force, proven partners in the fight against food insecurity, will each receive up to $5 million for food expenses incurred by the close of June 2023. Food purchased through this program will support residents experiencing food insecurity in Wisconsin.

A full version of this release is available here.

Resources

Access to Health Care

211 is Wisconsin’s statewide community referral service available to help you find community and health resources related to COVID-19, as well as resources that can help Wisconsinites access support around housing, finances, food access, childcare, or emotional support. Find an online directory to identify further information by topic, or available resources. And remember, if you want free, confidential personal assistance on these or other topics, dial 211 OR 877-947-2211, text your ZIP code to 898-211 or visit 211Wisconsin.org. A friendly voice is there to talk with you every day.

Other Languages, Graphics, and Print Materials

DHS materials are available in multiple languages as electronic files you can view online or download and print. You can use these materials at home or for your business. Visit the DHS website to view what resources are available to you.