MADISON — The highly contagious Omicron Variant of COVID-19 has been detected in Wisconsin and is anticipated to cause a rapid increase in disease here in coming weeks. While public health officials are actively researching how Omicron differs from other variants, current data from other states and regions of the world show that it spreads more easily than previous strains, including the Delta variant.
There is a serious risk that continued, increased numbers of COVID-19 cases will overwhelm an already strained health care system, leading to dangerous situations where patients experiencing medical emergencies may not be able to receive immediate, adequate, life-saving attention due to a lack of hospital capacity, officials said. Thus, DHS urges all to take specific actions to prevent or minimize the impending surge in hospitalizations and deaths.
Omicron has raced ahead of other variants and is now the dominant version of the coronavirus in the U.S., accounting for 73% of new infections last week, federal health officials said Dec. 20.
These include:
● Get vaccinated for COVID-19, including a booster dose as soon as eligible.
● Wear a well-fitting mask in indoor spaces when others are present whom are from outside the household.
● Celebrate safely over the holidays by keeping gatherings small, getting tested before visiting others, and staying home if test positive or have symptoms.
Further information regarding the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) recommendations to reduce the spread of COVID-19 is outlined below. For more information about how to stay protected and stop the spread of COVID-19, call 211, or contact the local health department in the area
Meanwhile, the department continues to urge everyone to get vaccinated against COVID-19. While cases of the Omicron variant are growing, the overwhelming majority of COVID-19 infections in Wisconsin are still being caused by the Delta variant, experts say.
Evidence also suggests that fully boosted people are protected against serious illness and hospitalization from Omicron. Everyone five and older is eligible to get vaccinated. Boosters are also available for everyone ages 16 and older.
For help finding a vaccine:
● COVID-19: Find a Vaccine Appointment (Wisconsin Department of Health Services)
● Vaccines.gov — Find COVID-19 Vaccines
● Covid-19 Vaccination Special Event directory provided by 211 Wisconsin Wear a mask. Mask wearing is advised for everyone ages two and older at indoor gatherings, regardless of vaccination status. Given high rates of COVID-19 transmission currently occurring in all 72 counties, and given the emerging evidence that the Omicron variant is more contagious than the Delta variant, DHS advises that everyone should wear a well-fitting mask in all public indoor settings.
● Masks continue to be an effective strategy to prevent COVID-19 infection.
● Get tested for COVID-19. Anyone with signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested, regardless of their vaccination status. If exposed to COVID-19, get tested five to seven days after exposure. If experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, stay home while you awaiting results. Trusted testing partners include health care providers, local health departments, and community testing sites. At-home COVID-19 tests can also be used before gathering with family and friends. DHS currently provides free at-home collection kits, a type of at-home test, for all state residents.
For up to date Wisconsin-related COVID-19 information, follow the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS).
DHS also recommends that everyone continue to complete the appropriate quarantine or isolation guidance after being exposed to, or diagnosed with COVID-19. Due to the large numbers of cases, not everyone who has COVID-19 or is exposed will get a call from public health. Residents are urged to assist public health efforts by informing close contacts who were exposed to COVID-19.
The department also is urging residents to take special measures to ensure holiday gatherings don’t spread the virus. To prevent the spread of disease, gatherings outside the immediate household should remain small. Consider getting tested before spending time with others outside of your household. Gatherings should also occur in well-ventilated spaces and are always safer outdoors.
People who are immunocompromised should wear a mask, and take additional precautions like getting tested for COVID-19 before a gathering. Everyone is urged to wear a well-fitting mask if celebrating with someone who has a weakened immune system, is at an increased risk of severe disease; or is unvaccinated.
