SITUATIONAL REPORT - UPDATED November 30, 2021

Bayfield County is at the "critically high" case rate according to the Wisconsin Department of Health .   In addition, the Wisconsin Hospital Association has listed Northwest Wisconsin with only limited hospital bed availability over the last few weeks.    The Delta variant continues to be the predominant strain across Wisconsin.   

We strongly encourage all residents to  wear face masks when out in public and to avoid spending more than a few minutes in areas where social distancing is not possible.   We have also seen an increase in the number of deaths in Bayfield County over the last 3 weeks.    

Over the weekend, the CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) identified a new variant of concern.  So far there is not much information coming out on whether it is more contagious or more dangerous or if the current vaccines will offer continued protection against it.   At this time we advise that continuing to social distance, masking and frequent and thorough handwashing are the best ways to prevent most illnesses, this new Omicron variant included.   This is especially important at this time with our hospitals starting to see very high inpatient rates, along with limited COVID-19 treatments available.    

While many of the cases over the last few weeks are among both vaccinated and un-vaccinated individuals, vaccination is still protecting from severe illness, including hospitalizations and death.

The FDA is moving forward with recommending COVID-19 booster shots for all adults and immunizations for persons age 5 - 11 this fall.