Wisconsinites Should Take 'Immediate Action' To Stop COVID-19 Spread

MILWAUKEE, WI — The omicron variant of the coronavirus is expected to cause a "rapid increase" of disease activity in the next few weeks, while Gov. Tony Evers called on residents to get the COVID-19 vaccine and booster dose to slow down anticipated hospitalizations and deaths.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has found 19 COVID-19 cases linked to the omicron variant, Secretary-designee said in a news conference. Roughly five percent of COVID-19 test results are sequenced to find omicron cases, she added.

“I urge every Wisconsinite to take immediate action and get the COVID-19 vaccine and your booster dose if you haven’t received it already—this is critically important for mitigating surges in hospitalizations and deaths across our state,” Evers said. Besides getting vaccinated, Evers called on Wisconsinites to follow best public health practices like masking.

The state health department gave the following list to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

• Get vaccinated against COVID-19, and get a booster dose six months after being fully vaccinated.
• People should wear a well-fitting mask when indoors around people who they don't live with.
• Keep gatherings small and get tested before visiting others, and stay home when symptoms arise.

Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should get tested regardless of vaccination status, and health services said people who are exposed to the disease should get tested five to seven days after exposure.

A list of community testing sites is available through the health services website. People are encouraged to learn about testing through their local health department.