Wisconsin Department of Health Services Digital Updates

COVID-19 Response and Vaccination Update

Wisconsin Department of Health Services sent this bulletin at 02/21/2023 05:00 PM CST

COVID-19 Update

Wisconsin COVID-19 news, data, and resources for the week of February 21, 2023.

DHS News

DHS Expands Free COVID-19 Testing Program

Wisconsinites can order two free COVID-19 self-test kits every month.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announces that Wisconsin households can now get two free at-home COVID-19 self-test kits every month through the Say Yes! COVID Test website. Each test kit includes five rapid antigen tests, for a total of 10 self-tests. Self-testing allows for quick results to help people make decisions about their health to prevent spreading the virus to others and protect the health of their community.

Since the start of the program in September 2022, more than 1.6 million test kit orders have been placed, with orders being delivered to every Wisconsin county. Households can place an order once per month and ordering reopens the first of every month. Those without reliable internet access or who have questions about ordering can dial 211 or 877-947-2211 for assistance.

View the entire news release.

ICYMI: 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.

Free Telehealth Consultation and Treatment is Available for All Wisconsinites Ages 18 and Older

Did you know that you only have 5 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.

To begin your free consultation, start the process online or call 1-833-273-6330.

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.

Data

Know Your Community Level   

Wisconsin’s seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases has continued to decrease to around 516 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 February 17, 2023, CDC data indicate 2 Wisconsin counties are in the “high” COVID-19 Community Level category: Kenosha and Racine. 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.  

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

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.