Emma Thomson, 8, of Sun Prairie, gets her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in November from nurse Brooke Teberg at the SSM Health St. Clare Hospital mass pediatric vaccination clinic in Baraboo. A rise in the COVID-19 community level to medium for both Sauk and Columbia County has health officials urging the public to take preventive measures.
Both Columbia County and Sauk County have joined the majority of the counties in the state now at a “medium” COVID-19 community level, according to health officials.
In a statement released Friday, Sauk County Public Health Director Treemanisha Stewart notified the public that the status has been increased to medium from its previous designation of “low” community level since the system was reconfigured to measure concern based on severe illness and death within a region rather than case rate.
Stewart urged the public to protect against severe illness caused by COVID-19.
“More tools than ever before are available to reduce the risk of severe illness from COVID-19,” said Stewart in the statement. “Getting vaccinated and staying up-to-date remains the best way to protect yourself and your family.”
In Columbia County, the health department released an update Thursday noting that two county residents had died as a result of COVID-19 complications, bringing the total of reported COVID-19 related deaths in Columbia County to 143. As of Thursday, there were 134 active cases and 17 people hospitalized, with two in the ICU being treated for COVID-19.
People are also reading…
Val Bilkey holds 9-year-old Bricelynn Bilkey's hand during a COVID-19 vaccine clinic in November for children aged 5-11 at Lodi Elementary School.
According to the CDC, as of Thursday, Sauk County had four hospital admissions caused by COVID-19, with both ICU and hospital bed usage percentages increasing by almost 1%.
When a community level is medium, health experts urge anyone who has not yet gotten vaccinated to do so. Stewart said to prevent COVID-19 infection, residents should also get tested if they experience symptoms of the virus, which can include a list of items like a new loss of taste or smell, fever, chills, congestion, runny nose or shortness of breath, among others.
People should stay home and away from others if they do not feel well, Stewart said. For those at a higher risk of severe illness, health experts recommend those living in an area with a medium community level to consider wearing a protective mask indoors and talk to their doctor about other possible preventive measures or treatments. Everyone should wear a mask on public transportation, according to CDC recommendations.
The CDC also recommends that anyone with symptoms who has tested positive for COVID or has been exposed to someone with the virus should wear a mask and isolate from the public if a healthcare provider recommends it.
GALLERY: "Unmask our kids" protest at Baraboo School Board meeting
Protesters sit in the background Monday as Sauk County Public Health Director Treemanisha Stewart answers questions from the Baraboo School Board during a meeting at the high school.
Scott Frostman urges the Baraboo School Board to end its student mask requirement during the public comment portion of Monday's meeting at the high school.
Community members protesting the Baraboo School District's student mask requirement listen to the school board discuss the issue Monday at the high school.
Community members protest the Baraboo School District's student mask requirement Monday outside the high school before a school board meeting. They declined to give their names.
Community members protesting the Baraboo School District's student mask requirement attend the school board meeting Monday at the high school.
Baraboo School Board Vice President Mike Kohlman speaks about the district's student mask requirement Monday during a meeting at Baraboo High School that roughly 20 "unmask our kids" protesters attended.
Baraboo School Board Clerk Paul Kujak speaks about ending the district's student mask requirement Monday during a meeting at Baraboo High School that roughly 20 "unmask our kids" protesters attended.
Baraboo School Board member Nancy Thome speaks about masks Monday during a meeting at Baraboo High School that roughly 20 "unmask our kids" protesters attended.
Baraboo School Board President Kevin Vodak talks Monday about two letters the district received from local physicians during a meeting at Baraboo High School that roughly 20 "unmask our kids" protesters attended.
Baraboo School Board President Kevin Vodak speaks about masks Monday during a meeting at Baraboo High School that roughly 20 "unmask our kids" protesters attended.
Follow Bridget on Twitter @cookebridget or contact her at 608-745-3513.
Bridget Cooke
Reporter
