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Wisconsin COVID-19 news, data, and resources for the week of January 24, 2022.
DHS News
Extra FoodShare COVID-19 Pandemic Benefits Ending February 2023
FoodShare members have been getting extra benefits because of a federal program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those extra benefits have been provided separately from members’ regular monthly benefits. On January 12, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced that because the federal government is ending that program, members will only get their regular FoodShare benefits starting March 1, 2023.
FoodShare members will receive a letter later this month alerting them to this change. Households with emails on file will also be notified by email. Members can check the amount of their regular monthly FoodShare benefit by logging into Wisconsin’s ACCESS website or by using the MyACCESS smartphone app. Regular benefits are always deposited on the same day in the first half of each month.
Anyone who needs additional nutritional support can:
- Call 211 or 877-947-2211 to find a local food pantry.
- Check if they are eligible for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) - a federal program that provides food assistance to those with low incomes.
- Check if they are eligible for the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Program - a state program that helps Wisconsin families, including dads and other caregivers, with food benefits, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support.
For more information check out our new page with resources for nutrition support and financial assistance.
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FDA Has Extended the Expiration Dates of iHealth At-Home COVID-19 Tests
DHS has been offering free at-home iHealth COVID-19 tests to all Wisconsin households through the Say Yes! COVID Test program since September 2022. On January 11, 2023, the FDA extended the expiration dates on iHealth brand COVID-19 at-home tests from 12 months to 15 months (a 3-month extension). If your tests appear to be past their expiration date, you can use the lot number on the test package to look up the current expiration date on the FDA list.
If you have other brands of test kits at home, we urge you to check the FDA’s website as the expiration dates on many at-home antigen tests have also been extended. An expiration date extension means the test maker has provided evidence to the government that the tests give accurate results longer than was known when they were manufactured.
If you have questions about your test kit received through the Say Yes! COVID test program, please email customer support at syct-orders@careevolution.com.
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All Wisconsin Households are Eligible to Place One Free Order for COVID-19 Self-Tests Kits Each Month
DHS is encouraging Wisconsinites to order free at-home rapid COVID-19 tests and have them delivered directly to their house through the state-supported Say Yes! COVID Test program. As of November 17, 2022, Wisconsin households are eligible to place an order every month for one free test kit that contains five rapid antigen COVID-19 tests on the Say Yes! COVID Test website. View the entire news release here.
If you have any of the below listed symptoms, it's important to test for COVID-19. Stay home if you have symptoms, test for COVID-19, and wear a mask. This helps keep others from getting sick.
COVID-19 Vaccines are Safe, Effective, and Widely Available at No Cost
The COVID-19 vaccines are the best tools to protect yourself and your loved ones from getting sick with COVID-19. By receiving all the COVID-19 vaccine doses that are recommended, you can feel safer and know that you have done all you can to protect your health and the lives of the people around you. For more information about vaccine safety and effectiveness visit our website.
Spend Your Summer with DHS
We're taking applications for the 2023 Student Diversity Internship Program through February 14. There are currently more than 200 paid internships with flexible schedules available at state agencies across Wisconsin, including 40 plus at DHS. Learn more and apply at https://wj.wi.gov/8258.
Free Telehealth Consultation and Treatment is Available for All Wisconsinites Ages 18 and Older
Did you know that you only have five days to take antiviral treatment, such as Paxlovid, after your COVID-19 symptom start? For people with mild to moderate COVID-19, these treatments can reduce the chance for severe illness and prevent hospitalization.
Wisconsin residents ages 18 and older who test positive for COVID-19 now have free, direct access to video or telephone consultation with a health care clinician. No insurance required. If a COVID-19 oral antiviral treatment such as Paxlovid is prescribed during a telehealth visit, you can choose to have your prescription made available for pickup at a pharmacy or sent to you overnight if a pharmacy is not available in your area.
The COVID-19 Treatment Telehealth service is available statewide, and consultations are available in multiple languages. Consultations are available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. This service is not for medical emergencies or for treatments other than COVID-19.
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Data
Know Your Community Level
Wisconsin’s seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases has continued to decrease to around 556 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 January 20, 2023, CDC data indicate 2 Wisconsin counties are in the “high” COVID-19 Community Level category: Juneau and Adams. In addition, 5 Wisconsin counties are experiencing a medium COVID-19 Community Level, and 65 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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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.
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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
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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