Wisconsin COVID-19 news, data, Governor’s news, and resources for the week of October 31, 2022.
Celebrate Halloween Safely With a COVID-19 Booster!
No tricks...Just treats! Treat yourself to the free updated booster. Visit the DHS website to learn what to expect before getting the vaccine.
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. Also, each Wisconsin household is 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.
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.
Data
Know Your Community Level
Wisconsin’s seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases has increased to around 890 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 28, 2022, CDC data indicate 6 Wisconsin counties are in the “high” COVID-19 Community Level category: Bayfield, Ashland, Burnett, Washburn, Sawyer, and Price. In addition, 19 Wisconsin counties are experiencing a medium COVID-19 Community Level, and 47 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.
In addition, DHS urges all Wisconsinites to take the following actions to help keep COVID-19 levels low in our communities:
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Know the COVID-19 Community Level where you live or are traveling to and follow the associated guidelines.
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Stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines by getting all recommended vaccines and booster doses.
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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.
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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
DHS News
DHS Invests $8.3 Million in Wisconsin Schools to Support the School Health Workforce
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), today announced $8.3 million in funding to support K-12 school health service staff in schools throughout the state. This first-of-its-kind funding will support hiring and retention for school nurses and health staff in K-12 schools and provide funding for school nurses to pursue wellness activities and professional development. This funding will improve children’s health by supporting the school health workforce.
To further support student and family health and well-being, the Wisconsin Department of Health services (DHS) has provided more than $2.6 billion in extra food benefits and $2.9 billion in regular FoodShare benefits to families, children, and older adults who needed extra support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Extra food benefits were provided through the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Program and through emergency allotments issued under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, referred to as FoodShare in Wisconsin. These programs, which are federally funded, provide foundational supports to families in need and help the state’s economy thrive. DHS partnered with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to help schools submit information for hundreds of thousands of families in need of food security across the state.
View the list of schools who received funding to support school health service staff.
Click here to view the full article.
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.
Social Media
Follow DHS on social media for the most up-to-date information on the COVID-19 response and vaccine rollout.
Newsletter
Looking for previous newsletters? To view past versions of this newsletter, visit the DHS website.
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