NORTHEAST WISCONSIN (NBC 26) — Both Oconto and Winnebago Counties have recommended people wear masks indoors in accordance with updated CDC guidance.
Oconto County currently has a high rate of community transmission, while Winnebago County has a substantial rate.
A high level of community transmission means that in the past 7 days, the county had more than 100 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people and that more than 10% of COVID-19 tests were positive.
In response, Oconto County issued a health alert that said in part, "In order to stop the spread of COVID-19, multiple prevention steps are needed, specifically vaccination, masking and testing."
Winnebago County officials recommend even vaccinated people now wear masks indoors.
“Cases and hospitalizations have trended up since early July and are likely to continue. We need to work together to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and the impact it has on our community, schools and local economy,” said Doug Gieryn, Winnebago County Health Officer/Director. "To help minimize the spread of this virus locally, we need to vaccinate and mask up to protect those not yet vaccinated and those with an insufficient immune response to the vaccine.”
The Winnebago County Health Department continues to urge community members to get vaccinated. Local COVID-19 cases are dominated by the faster spreading Delta variant. Vaccination remains the single best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
“Hospitalizations are rare for fully vaccinated persons,” added Gieryn. “The best way to continue our path back toward normal is to increase the levels of vaccination in Winnebago County.”
Neither county issued a mask mandate.
