Nearly 17% of county residents have received at least one vaccine dose

For the Tomahawk Leader

LINCOLN COUNTY – The number of positive COVID-19 cases has continued to drop since January, the Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD) said on Thursday, March 4.

According to LCHD’s February monthly situation report, Lincoln County has dropped from a “very high level” of COVID-19 activity to a “high level.”

Between Jan. 25 and March 1, Lincoln County saw eight new hospitalizations, with a total of 115 individuals hospitalized due to COVID-19. 12.8% of COVID-19 tests came back positive, resulting in 143 new cases. Three COVID-19-associated deaths occurred, bringing the county’s total to 57.

According to the report, the county saw eight new probable COVID-19 cases between Jan. 25 and March 1, resulting in 193 total probable cases. Two probable COVID-19-associated deaths were reported, bringing the total to 17.

“A person is counted as a probable case or death of COVID-19 if they are not positive (confirmed) by a confirmatory laboratory test method (ex: PCR or NAT test), but have either tested positive using an antigen testing method, have symptoms of COVID-19 *and* known exposure to COVID-19, or COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 is listed on the death certificate,” LCHD explained.

LCHD said 4,582 Lincoln County residents (16.6%) had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose as of Wednesday, March 3.

“In Lincoln County, there are many places to be vaccinated, including health care providers, pharmacies and the health department,” LCHD stated.

To sign up for LCHD’s wait list, call 715-539-1375 or email COVID@co.lincoln.wi.us.

“COVID-19 vaccines are being given in priority to healthcare personnel, long-term care facilities, first responders, those 65 and older, and educators and childcare,” LCHD said. “Additional groups that are eligible to get vaccinated include individuals enrolled in Medicaid long-term care programs, some public-facing essential workers, non-frontline essential health care personnel, and facility staff and residents in congregate living settings.”

For more information on COVID-19 vaccine qualifications, visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/vaccine-about.htm. Updates on the COVID-19 vaccine can also be found at www.lincolncountyhealthdepartment.com.

“To keep our community safe, even once you have had COVID-19 or have been vaccinated, it is important to continue to wear your mask, practice physical distancing, wash your hands often, staying home when you are sick,” LCHD said. “Thank you for that you do to help keep our community healthy and safe.”