COVID-19 Community Updates

Whitewater COVID-19 Information Line-262-473-1398

Masks to be Worn in City of Whitewater Owned Facilities

Whitewater, Wis. September 1, 2021- Effective immediately, based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the City of Whitewater is now asking members of the public who are conducting business in City-owned facilities to wear face masks, regardless of vaccination status, when in indoor public spaces.

Reasonable efforts will be made to maintain physical distancing during public meetings occurring under the requirements of the open meetings law. Participants and observers of public meetings subject to the open meetings law are asked to wear a mask during the open public meeting, regardless of their vaccination status.

Remote participation by employees and visitors will also be made available to help participants achieve desired physical spacing.

Masks are required to be worn by all City of Whitewater employees in public or common areas within city facilities. Employees will not be required to wear masks while working outdoors.

Emergency Rental Assistance

U.S. Treasury: https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/cares/emergency-rental-assistance-program
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): https://www.hud.gov/coronavirus/renters

Business Resources

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development: https://www.rd.usda.gov/coronavirus
U.S. Chamber of Commerce: https://www.uschamber.com/coronavirus
State of Wisconsin Department of Administration Grants: https://doa.wi.gov/Pages/LocalGovtsGrants/COVID-Grants.aspx
Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA): http://www.weda.org/covid-19-information-and-resources/
Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) Diverse Business Development: https://wedc.org/programs-and-resources/diverse-business-development/
Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) Reopening Guidelines https://wedc.org/reopen-guidelines/
Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC): https://www.wwbic.com/business-lending/specialty-loan-information/wwbic-covid-19-loans/
Wisconsin Restaurant Association: http://www.wirestaurant.org/
Walworth County Economic Development Alliance, Inc. Financial Assistance: https://www.walworthbusiness.com/covid19/covid-19-financial-assistance/
Jefferson – Dodge Counties, WI ThriveED: https://www.thriveed.org/covid-19-business-resources/
Original Alcohol Beverage Retail License Application- Contact the City Clerk for more information
Application for Outdoor Private Property Cafe Permit - Contact Neighborhood Services for more information
Application for Sidewalk Cafe Permit - Contact Neighborhood Services for more information

October 14, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Walworth County remains in the CDC’s high transmission level. Our case rate has increased over the last week.
Public Health has been authorized to provide the booster dose of Pfizer vaccine. This may be provided at any clinic where we are providing Pfizer. Find our full list of clinics on our COVID-19 vaccine website.
Walworth County will have the national guard conducting COVID-19 testing at the Fair Grounds from 12-5pm through December. Press release attached. View testing information here.
Public health continues to recommend following CDC and DHS guidelines for masking, social distancing, and quarantine/isolation.
Flu season is approaching. Some are predicting that this could be a bad flu season. Now is the time to get your flu shot. Flu shots are now available from our health care partners, as well as most pharmacies in and surrounding the county. Be a flu fighter! Get your shot today!
Walworth County statistics as of 10/14/2021 can be viewed online.

October 7, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Walworth County remains in the CDC’s high transmission level. Our transmission level this week has decreased to 232.99 cases/100k population from 334.08 cases/100k population last week.
Public Health has been authorized to provide the booster dose of Pfizer vaccine. Logistics are currently in the planning process for the provision of this dose of vaccine.
There were 4 newly reported COVID deaths since last week's update, all of whom were 70+ with one or more comorbidities.
Walworth County will have the national guard conducting COVID-19 testing at the Fair Grounds from 12-5pm on Tuesday 10/12.
An abbreviated summary document of testing and vaccine locations in October is attached. All of this an more is available on our website.
Public health continues to recommend following CDC and DHS guidelines for masking, social distancing, and quarantine/isolation.

September 30, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Walworth County remains in the CDC’s high transmission level. Our transmission level this week has slightly increased to 334.08 cases/100k population up from 328.3 cases/100k population last week.
There were 3 newly reported COVID deaths since last week's update, all of whom were 60+ with one or more major comorbidities.
In partnership with Open Arms Free Clinic, from 9/21-10/26 Public Health will be offering a joint COVID-19 testing and vaccine site at Chapel on the Hill from 9am-1pm on Tuesdays.
There is only one week left to complete our county’s community health survey! The deadline was extended from September 30 to October 7th. We have a severe under representation of those under 40 in the responses currently. As a large portion of our population and workforce it is vital that we hear from you! How has COVID-19 impacted our community? What is it like to raise a child here? What barriers exist that hinder health? Please help us share the word and tell us what it is like to live, learn, work, and play in Walworth County!

September 23, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Walworth County remains in the CDC’s high transmission level. Our transmission level this week has increased to 328.3 cases/100k population up from 261.87 cases/100k population last week.
In partnership with Open Arms Free Clinic, from 9/21-10/26 Public Health will be offering a joint COVID-19 testing and vaccine site at Chapel on the Hill from 9am-1pm on Tuesdays.
- COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Flyer (English)
- COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Flyer (Spanish)
There is only one week left to complete our county’s community health survey! We have a severe under representation of those under age 60 in the responses currently. As the majority of our population and workforce it is vital that we hear from you! How has COVID-19 impacted our community? What is it like to raise a child here? What barriers exist that hinder health? Please help us share the word and tell us what it is like to live, learn, work, and play in Walworth County!

September 16, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Key Updates

Walworth County remains in the CDC’s high transmission level. Our transmission level this week has increased to 261.87 cases/100k population up from 174.26 cases/100k population last week.
In partnership with Open Arms Free Clinic, from 9/21-10/26 Public Health will be offering a joint COVID-19 testing and vaccine site at Chapel on the Hill from 9am-1pm on Tuesdays.
The $100 COVID-19 Vaccine Reward Program is almost over. The last day to receive your vaccine is 9/19 and to register for your gift card 9/30.
Finally, there are only two weeks left to complete our county’s community health survey! How has COVID-19 impacted our community? What is it like to raise a child here? What barriers exist that hinder health? Please help us share the word and tell us what it is like to live, learn, work, and play in Walworth County!
Walworth County COVID-19 statistics as of 9/16/2021 can be viewed online.

September 9, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Key Updates

Walworth County remains in the CDC’s high transmission level. Our transmission level this week has decreased to 174.26 cases/100k population down from 232.02 cases/100k population last week. This aligns with trends seen nationwide as a leveling off of case numbers has been projected.
There is not currently a large difference in the number of cases between different age groups.
Three additional deaths have been recorded in this week’s statistics.
Gov. Evers, DHS Announce Extension of the $100 COVID-19 Vaccine Reward Program.

Walworth County statistics as of 9/9/2021 can be viewed online.

September 2, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Key Updates

There is a jump in our COVID-19 death numbers this week. This is not due to a large increase in deaths in the last week. There has only been one reported death since last weeks update. Public Health is working with DHS and the Medical Examiner to clean up death reporting data. In addition, a number of deaths that happened earlier this year were just signed as COVID-19. Details on death data remains available on the County Data Dashboard.

Walworth County statistics as of 9/2/2021 can be viewed online.

Other Updates

Providers are able to administer COVID-19, influenza, and routine vaccines without regard to timing (both live, attenuated, and non-live influenza vaccines). Providers will likely consider a number of other factors when deciding to co-administer, such as if a patient is behind or at risk of becoming behind on recommended vaccines and patient risk of vaccine preventable disease.
More than six million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in the state of Wisconsin and over half of all Wisconsinites have completed their COVID-19 vaccine series.
CDC has reported a rapid increase in Ivermectivn prescriptions and severe illness associated with use of products containing Ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19. Ivermectin is an approved prescription medication use to treat certain infections caused by parasites. Ivermectin is not authorized or approved by FDA for prevention or treatment of COVID-19. ClinicalTrials.gov has listings of ongoing clinical trials that might provide more information about these hypothesized uses in the future. Read the Official CDC Health Advisory.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and Department of Public Instruction (DPI) have released guidance on strategies districts and schools can use to best protect students during in-person learning this school year. View the entire news release.
The K-12 COVID-19 Testing Program is beginning to hit its stride as schools around the state begin in-person instruction. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has some updates and information for schools participating in the K-12 COVID-19 Testing Program. Multiple districts in Walworth County have elected to participate in different aspects of this program based on their schools’ needs. Additional information and resources can be found on the Department of Health Services’ K-12 COVID-19 Testing Program page

August 26, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Key Updates:

The Pfizer COVD-19 vaccine has received full FDA approval for ages 16+ and will now be marketed under the brand name Comirnaty. View the DHS press release here. Ages 12-15 can continue to receive the vaccine under the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is giving one $100 Visa gift card to Wisconsin residents ages 12 and older who receive their first COVID-19 vaccine from a Wisconsin vaccination provider from August 20 through September 6. Find more information here. To find a vaccinator visit vaccines.gov

DHS FAQ:

What is an additional COVID-19 vaccine dose and how is it different from a booster dose?

An “additional dose” is recommended for people who may not have received adequate protection from their initial vaccine series. For example, studies show some people who have weakened immune systems don’t always build the same level of immunity after vaccination the way non-immunocompromised people do. People who are moderately to severely immunocompromised are recommended to get an additional dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) to increase their immune response so they have protection against COVID-19.
A “booster dose” is a supplemental vaccine dose given to people when the immune response to a primary vaccine series is likely to have decreased over time. The need for and timing of a COVID-19 booster dose has not yet been established, and at this time, booster doses have not been recommended. The CDC and FDA continue to review evidence and data as it is available about whether or when booster doses for the broader U.S. public may be needed, and will update guidance as more information becomes available.
You can find this answer plus additional FAQs and important information about additional doses on the DHS COVID-19: Additional Vaccine Dose for People who are Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised page.

August 19, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Key Updates

Walworth County remains in the “High Transmission” category per CDC. We are seeing an increase in hospitalizations and no change in percent positivity or case trend rate in our key indicator data.
DHS has updated their mapped data to reflect the CDC data. This update includes transmission rates by a number of different geographic factors. We would encourage those that are utilizing this data in decision making not to use it in isolation. As our population does not stay in one location, looking only at one geographic factor’s transmission level in isolation does not create a full picture of the spread and impact of COVID-19.
DHS now has data on COVID-19 Illness After Vaccination.
Wisconsin to Offer Additional COVID-19 Vaccine Dose to People Who Are Immunocompromised. At this time Public Health is not providing third dose for this population. We encourage individuals that may be eligible to discuss with their primary care provider if the booster dose is appropriate for them or may require any changes in their treatment, and if they can receive their vaccine through their provider. Vaccine may be found by going to vaccines.gov.
Public Health is completing a community health survey that looks at what it is like to live, work, and play in Walworth County as well as the impacts of COVID-19 on our community. Please share.

August 12 Key Walworth County Updates

Key Updates:

Walworth County has been identified by the CDC as being in a phase of Substantial Community Transmission. This occurred when our total 7-day cases moved into the 50-99 cases/100,000 population level on 7/30/2021. View the CDC map here.
For communities in Substantial or High Community Transmission levels the CDC and WI-DHS recommend:
- Masking for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals in indoor public spaces.
- Recommended that fully vaccinated people who have a known COVID-19 close contact be tested for COVID-19 3-5 days after exposure and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until a negative test result is received.
- Continue to maintain other protective measures like social distancing, hand washing, getting vaccinated, and staying home when ill.

Vaccine remains highly available. You can find available COVID-19 vaccine at vaccines.gov or schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine with Public Health by calling 262-741-3200. Vaccine remains one of the strongest tools we have against transmission of and severe disease from COVID-19.

Additional Vaccination:

Tuesday, August 17^th: Badger High School: School Registration (Pfizer) 3-6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, August 18^th: Badger High School: School Registration (Pfizer) 3-6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, August 31^st: UW-Whitewater: Move in Day (J&J/ Pfizer): 10-noon

Tuesday, August 31^st: Delavan-Darien School District: School Registration (Pfizer): 4-6 p.m.

August 5, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Key Updates:

Walworth County has been identified by the CDC as being in a phase of High Community Transmission. This occurred when our total 7-day cases moved into the 100+ cases/100,000 population level on 8/5/2021. For the previous 7-days we had 106 cases, or 102.5/100,00 population. View the CDC map here.
Walworth County has not yet received any reports of cases of the COVID-19 delta variant. Statewide delta accounts for 78% of the total variants sequenced during July and during the last few weeks has risen to account for 88% of variants detected in sequenced samples. View sequencing data here: https://dataportal.slh.wisc.edu/sc2dashboard
On July 27, 2021 CDC updated their COVID-19 guidance, due largely to the circulation of the Delta variant which studies are indicating is much more transmissible than previous types of COVID-19. WI-DHS also support this guidance.
For communities in Substantial or High Community Transmission levels the CDC and WI-DHS recommend:

Masking for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals in indoor public spaces.
Recommended that fully vaccinated people who have a known COVID-19 close contact be tested for COVID-19 3-5 days after exposure and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until a negative test result is received.
Continue to maintain other protective measures like social distancing, hand washing, getting vaccinated, and staying home when ill.

Vaccine remains highly available. You can find available COVID-19 vaccine at vaccines.gov or schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine with Public Health by calling 262-741-3200. Vaccine remains one of the strongest tools we have against transmission of and severe disease from COVID-19.

July 1, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Vaccination

Walworth County Public Health Upcoming Vaccine Clinic Schedule – No appointment needed!
- 7/1 3-5pm @ Walworth County Health & Human Services, 1910 County Rd NN, Elkhorn
  - Administering: Johnson & Johnson (One Dose, Ages 18 & Over), Pfizer 2nd Doses
- 7/6 3-5pm @ Como Community Church, W3901 Palmer Rd, Lake Geneva
  - Administering: Johnson & Johnson (One Dose, Ages 18 & Over), Pfizer 2nd Doses
- 7/8 3-5pm @ Walworth County Health & Human Services, 1910 County Rd NN, Elkhorn
  - Administering: Johnson & Johnson (One Dose, Ages 18 & Over), Pfizer 2nd Doses
- 7/10 9-1pm @ Saturdays on the Square, 100 W Walworth St, Elkhorn
  - Administering: Johnson & Johnson (One Dose, Ages 18 & Over)

Other Updates

Walworth County Public Health invites you to participate in the Road to Community Poster Contest! Road to Community is a Public Health Campaign theme that illustrated, during the pandemic, the steps that we all can take together and unified to travel back to normal and community. We certainly acknowledge the challenges that our community has faced throughout the pandemic and now the Road to Community campaign focuses on this return to normal activities, programming and fun. This poster contest is a way for all members of the community to be able to show, through artwork, what community means to them.

For details, visit https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/973/R2CPosterContest.

June 17, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Vaccination

Walworth County Public Health Upcoming Vaccine Clinic Schedule – No appointment needed!

6/17 10am-12pm @ Genoa City Village Hall/Police Department, 755 Fellows Rd, Genoa City
- Administering: Johnson & Johnson (One Dose, Ages 18 & Over), Pfizer (Ages 12 & Over)
6/17 3-5pm @ Walworth County Health & Human Services, 1910 County Rd NN, Elkhorn
- Administering: Johnson & Johnson (One Dose, Ages 18 & Over), Pfizer (Ages 12 & Over)
6/22 4-6pm @ Whitewater Middle School, 401 S Elizabeth St, Whitewater
- Administering: Johnson & Johnson (One Dose, Ages 18 & Over), Pfizer 2^nd Doses
6/23 3-5pm @ Lake Geneva Middle School, 600 N Bloomfield Rd, Lake Geneva
- Administering: Johnson & Johnson (One Dose, Ages 18 & Over), Pfizer 2^nd Doses
6/23 4-6pm @ Phoenix Middle School, 414 Beloit St, Delavan
- Administering: Johnson & Johnson (One Dose, Ages 18 & Over), Pfizer 2^nd Doses
6/24 3-5pm @ Walworth County Health & Human Services, 1910 County Rd NN, Elkhorn
- Administering: Johnson & Johnson (One Dose, Ages 18 & Over), Pfizer (Ages 12 & Over)

211 has launched a new space online for the public to find pop-up clinics in their community through the Pop-Up Clinic Module. The module can be found on the 211 Wisconsin COVID-19 Vaccination Special Event Directory webpage or on the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) website on the COVID-19: Find a Vaccine Appointment | Wisconsin Department of Health Services webpage.
UW Extension is hosting a Virtual Town Hall event for youth and families to learn more about COVID-19 vaccines on Thursday, June 17 at 7 PM. Register at https://go.wisc.edu/r5h6n2..
Flyer - Virtual Town Hall about COVID-19 Vaccines
Flyer - Unase a nosotros para una reunion comunitaria virtual

Other Updates

Walworth County moved to Phase 4 of its Phased Reopening Guidance for COVID-19 on June 3^rd. With the move to Phase 4, Walworth County will retire the COVID-19 Phased Guidance. Walworth County Public Health remains actively involved in managing the County’s COVID-19 response and recovery and are always available to answer specific questions. COVID-19 questions can be directed to walcoph@co.walworth.wi.us or (262) 741-3200.
Additionally, due to the low COVID-19 case activity in Walworth County, and the availability of county level data on the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website, Public Health will reduce the frequency of updates to the Community Data Dashboard to twice per week (Tuesday and Thursday). Key indicators will continue to be updated on Thursdays.
DHS released a memo today on home COVID-19 testing. In summary, home test kits are not mandated to be reported to the health department, but if an individual has a positive test they are encouraged to consult with their health care provider and obtain a confirmatory test.

June 11, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Vaccination

Walworth County Public Health Upcoming Vaccine Clinic Schedule – No appointment needed!

6/10 3pm-5pm @ Walworth County Health & Human Services, 1910 County Rd NN, Elkhorn
- Administering: Johnson & Johnson (One Dose, Ages 18 & Over), Pfizer (Ages 12 & Over)
6/12 9am-11am @ Saint Andrew Catholic Church, 714 E Walworth St, Delavan
- Administering: Johnson & Johnson (One Dose, Ages 18 & Over), Pfizer 2^nd Doses (Received 1^st Dose On/Before May 22^nd)
6/15 10am-12pm @ Aram Public Library, 404 E Walworth St, Delavan
- Administering: Johnson & Johnson (One Dose, Ages 18 & Over)
6/15 3-5pm @ Como Community Church, W3901 Palmer Rd, Lake Geneva
- Administering: Johnson & Johnson (One Dose, Ages 18 & Over), Pfizer (Ages 12 & Over)
6/16 3-5pm @ Big Foot High School, 401 Devils Ln, Walworth
- Administering: Johnson & Johnson (One Dose, Ages 18 & Over), Pfizer 2^nd Doses (Received 1^st Dose On/Before May 26^th)
6/17 10am-12pm @ Genoa City Village Hall/Police Department, 755 Fellows Rd, Genoa City
- Administering: Johnson & Johnson (One Dose, Ages 18 & Over), Pfizer (Ages 12 & Over)
6/17 3-5pm @ Walworth County Health & Human Services, 1910 County Rd NN, Elkhorn
- Administering: Johnson & Johnson (One Dose, Ages 18 & Over), Pfizer (Ages 12 & Over)

Other Updates

This week’s Data Snapshot.
Check out the first video in our Provider Points series with Christine Weerts, Nurse Practitioner at SSM Health Dean Medical Group-Delavan: https://fb.watch/61ZhsR1xfP/

June 3, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Vaccination

Walworth County Public Health Upcoming Vaccine Clinic Schedule – No appointment needed!

6/3 3pm-5pm @ Walworth County Health & Human Services, 1910 County Rd NN, Elkhorn

Administering: Johnson & Johnson (One Dose, Ages 18 & Over), Pfizer 2^nd Doses (Received 1^st Dose On/Before May 13^th), Moderna 2^nd Doses (Received 1^st Dose On/Before May 6^th)

6/5 9am-10am @ Walworth County Health & Human Services, 1910 County Rd NN, Elkhorn

Administering: Johnson & Johnson (One Dose, Ages 18 & Over), Pfizer 2^nd Doses (Received 1^st Dose On/Before May 15^th)

6/7 10am-12pm @ Lake Geneva Public Library, 918 W Main St, Lake Geneva

Administering: Johnson & Johnson (One Dose, Ages 18 & Over)

6/9 4pm-6pm @ Sharon Community School, 104 E School St, Sharon

Administering: Johnson & Johnson (One Dose, Ages 18 & Over), Pfizer 2^nd Doses (Received 1^st Dose On/Before May 19^th)

6/10 3pm-5pm @ Walworth County Health & Human Services, 1910 County Rd NN, Elkhorn

Administering: Johnson & Johnson (One Dose, Ages 18 & Over), Pfizer (Ages 12 & Over)

6/12 9am-11am @ Saint Andrew Catholic Church, 714 E Walworth St, Delavan

Administering: Johnson & Johnson (One Dose, Ages 18 & Over), Pfizer 2^nd Doses (Received 1^st Dose On/Before May 22^nd)

Other Updates

This week’s Data Snapshot, Walworth County has moved into Phase 4 of the Walworth County Phased Guidance based off of the corresponding Key Indicators. Additional updates to the phased guidance will occur within the coming weeks.

May 27, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Vaccination

Walworth County Public Health Upcoming Vaccine Clinic Schedule – No appointment needed!
- 5/27 3pm-6pm @ Walworth County Health & Human Services, 1910 County Rd NN, Elkhorn
  - Administering: Johnson & Johnson (One Dose, Ages 18 & Over), Moderna 2^nd Doses (Received 1^st Dose On/Before April 29^th)
- 6/1 4pm-6pm @ Whitewater Middle School, 401 S Elizabeth St, Whitewater - Whitewater Middle School Vaccination Clinic Flyer
  - Administering: Johnson & Johnson (One Dose, Ages 18 & Over), Pfizer (Ages 12 & Up)
- 6/2 2pm-5pm @ Walworth County Health & Human Services, 1910 County Rd NN, Elkhorn
  - Administering: Johnson & Johnson (One Dose, Ages 18 & Over), Moderna 2^nd Doses (Received 1^st Dose On/Before May 5^th)
- 6/2 3pm-5pm @ Lake Geneva Middle School, 600 N Bloomfield Rd, Lake Geneva - Lake Geneva Middle School Vaccination Clinic Flyer
  - Administering: Johnson & Johnson (One Dose, Ages 18 & Over), Pfizer (Ages 12 & Over)
- 6/2 4pm-6pm @ Phoenix Middle School, 414 Beloit St, Delavan - Phoenix Middle School Vaccination Clinic Flyer
  - Administering: Johnson & Johnson (One Dose, Ages 18 & Over), Pfizer (Ages 12 & Over)
- 6/3 3pm-5pm @ Walworth County Health & Human Services, 1910 County Rd NN, Elkhorn
  - Administering: Johnson & Johnson (One Dose, Ages 18 & Over), Pfizer 2^nd Doses (Received 1^st Dose On/Before May 13^th)
- 6/5 9am-10am @ Walworth County Health & Human Services, 1910 County Rd NN, Elkhorn
  - Administering: Johnson & Johnson (One Dose, Ages 18 & Over), Pfizer 2^nd Doses (Received 1^st Dose On/Before May 15^th)
Additional information can be found on our website: https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/896/COVID-19-Vaccine-Information.
Want to host a clinic? Complete our community clinic form.

Other Updates

This week’s Data Snapshot. We remain in Phase 3 on the phased guidance.
Wisconsin National Guard Testing will move June 1 to Calvary Community Church and hours will also change to 12-5pm. Testing at UW Whitewater will move from the Community Engagement Center to Drumlin Hall on the UWW campus. Find testing details on our website.
The Walworth County Schools Data Dashboard will stop being updated on 6/11/2021.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has announced updates to their COVID-19 Summary Data. View the press release here.

May 13, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Vaccination

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announces that children 12-15 years old are now eligible to receive the PfizerCOVID-19 vaccine and vaccinations can begin starting Thursday, May 13. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine requires two doses for full protection and is the first and only vaccine available for this age group.
- Factsheet: What Parents and Guardians Should Know
Businesses or community sites seeking to host an onsite vaccine clinic should complete our online inquiry form to allow
Walworth County Public Health Upcoming Vaccine Clinic Schedule
- Pfizer Clinics:
  - Today, 5/13, 3:00-5:00pm @ Walworth County Health and Human Services (1910 County Rd. NN, Elkhorn)
  - Wednesday, 5/19, 4:00-6:00pm @ Sharon Community School (104 E School St, Sharon) – Sharon Community School Flyer
- Check our website, https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/896/COVID-19-Vaccine-Information, for updated information. The current week’s clinic schedule is updated each Monday by noon.
CDC today released a new list of activities that fully vaccinated individuals can engage in safely.

Other Updates

This week’s data snapshot.
COVID-19 Vaccination Employer Tax Credits are available for small and medium-sized businesses to fully offset the cost of paid leave for employees to get vaccinated and recover from any after-effects of vaccination as part of the recently signed American Rescue Plan.
- A flyer from the Department of the Treasury summarizes many aspects of the tax credit. This flyer also states that business may be eligible for past paid leave credits starting April 1, 2020 for emergency paid leave provided to employees for qualifying reasons related to COVID-19.
We had a few late additions to the community vaccine clinic schedule for next week:
- 5/18 Barrett Memorial Library; Pre-registration required. Sign up directly with the library (Barrett COVID Clinic flyer)
- 5/19 3-5pm, Trinity Church, Genoa City (Trinity Church COVID Clinic flyer)

April 29, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Vaccination

Walworth County Public Health vaccine clinics are now accepting walk-ins. Please visit our website for up-to-date walk-in clinic information: https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/896/COVID-19-Vaccine-Information.
Walworth County Public Health & Jefferson County Health Department will be hosting a walk-in COVID-19 vaccine clinic next Saturday, May 8^th from 9:00am-1:00pmat the UW-W Community Engagement Center. No appointment needed! This clinic will administer the Johnson & Johnson One Dose COVID-19 vaccine to those age 18 and over.
- Walworth County Department of Health and Human Services Facebook post.
If you or your organization is interested in an on-site COVID-19 vaccination clinic through Walworth County Public Health, please complete the Community Vaccine Clinic Inquiry Form on our website.
Follow Walworth County Health & Human Services on Facebook for information on vaccine clinics and our #RoadToCommunity. Please share our posts to help us reach our entire community!

Other Updates

This week’s Data Snapshot.
The CDC released updated mask guidance for fully vaccinated people: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html.
The 2020 Public Health annual report is now available. This report looks at both public health program status during 2020 as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. Of note, our staff processed around 95,000 COVID-19 laboratory reports and managed 166 COVID-19 outbreaks, some of which lasted for months and required daily contact. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Walworth County Public Health nurses, clerks, educators, environmentalists, and other staff. They are a phenomenal team who did incredible work during an unprecedented time and I am lucky I get to work with them.

FAQ from DHS

Are providers required to report immunizations to Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR)?

Reporting to WIR is not mandatory unless the provider is part of the Vaccines for Children (VFC) and/or Vaccines for Adults (VFA) programs. Pharmacists who immunize children aged 6-18 have been required since 2015 to submit immunization data within 7 days of administering a vaccine. The CDC also mandates reporting of all COVID-19 vaccination administration to WIR. CDC has recommended all COVID-19 immunizations administered be submitted to their state's registry within 24 hours.

What can families do safely if parents are vaccinated but kids aren’t?

Vaccinated parents with unvaccinated children should still follow the recommended precautions when in public and only gather with other households who are fully vaccinated. Families can help keep unvaccinated kids safe by having them play outdoors when possible, ensuring those old enough to wear masks do so, and limiting the number of other kids they regularly interact with in person. More information is available from the CDC on how to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in children.
This FAQ and more information on the DHS webpage COVID-19: After You Get the Vaccine.

April 22, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Vaccination

Walworth County continues to have appointments available for next week and through May. Schedule your vaccine appointment at walcophdose1.timetap.com
According to CDC 69.5% of Walworth County adults over age 65 have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19. View more CDC COVID-19 data here.
DHS transitions to the use of Vaccinefinder.org. This site allows people to find a COVID-19 vaccine and view the vaccine type available, site hours, and appointment availability. View the press release.

Other

Walworth County case daily case numbers continue to increase slowly. We’re not out of the woods yet, keep using all the tools to stop the spread of COVID-19 and help us continue on our #RoadtoCommunity.
Governor Evers, DHS announce more than $175 million to support COVID-19 testing in schools. View the press release here.

April 15, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Vaccine

This week’s Data Snapshot. Public Health continues to recommend use of Phase 3 in the Phased Reopening Guidance.
Public Health continues to have open appointments for COVID-19 vaccine as well as the need for a waitlist. Individuals may schedule an appointment with us or sign up for the waitlist for a particular day via walcophdose1.timetap.com
- If you are unable to make your scheduled appointment we ask that you cancel your appointment at least 24 hours in advance to allow someone else to take that slot.
This week, the CDC/FDA advised pausing the administration of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. You may view the joint CDC/FDA press release here and the WI-DHS press release here.
- Individuals experiencing concerning side effects should contact their health care provider and use the V-Safe program to report symptoms.
- Walworth County followed this recommendation and is not currently administering this vaccine.
Pfizer is currently the only COVID-19 vaccine authorized for ages 16-17. The following entities are offering Pfizer and have appointments available immediately:
- Central Racine Health Department: https://crchd.com/covid-19-vaccine#SCHEDULE
- Kenosha County Public Health: https://kc_covid_jr9hbvfgid.timetap.com/#/
In Deputy Secretary Julie Williems Van Dijke’s recent update she reiterated that providers will not charge for the COVID-19 vaccine and can not turn you away for not having an ID. Watch the update on youtube.

Other

The Department of Health Services (DHS) has released improvements to the COVID-19 Hospital data webpage
Walworth County has launched our “Road to Community” campaign. Follow HHS on Facebook on our journey back towards normalcy as we bring Walworth County back safer and stronger.

FAQs from DHS

I have heard that if a person under 18 provides consent from a parent or guardian, a vaccinator is able to administer any of the approved vaccines. Is this true?

No! While all adults in Wisconsin are eligible to get vaccinated, only the Pfizer product is authorized to be administered to people ages 16 and older at this time. Without exception, providers must follow the clinical guidance in the EUA.

April 13, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

This is a COVID-19 update for our partners in response to the notice this morning that the CDC/FDA has advised pausing the administration of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. At this time Walworth County Public Health will be following the guidance of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and halting the administration of this vaccine until further administration guidance is provided. This will result in the cancelation of clinic Thursday, April 15 in the afternoon. This will not impact the Moderna clinic scheduled for that morning.

Summary:

Early Tuesday morning the CDC and FDA released a joint statement advising that providers halt the administration of the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine due to a federal review of adverse side effects reported.
This review is the result of six individuals experiencing blood clots in the days following the administration of the vaccine.
WI DHS supports the CDC/FDA position and has advised Wisconsin providers to pause administration of the vaccine.
The reported side effects remain very rare and this pause is out of caution as the events can be investigated.
At the time of this update Public Health is not aware of any of these adverse events occurring in Walworth County.
Individuals experiencing concerning side effects should contact their health care provider and use the V-Safe program to report symptoms.
You may view the joint CDC/FDA press release here and the WI-DHS press release here.

April 8, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Public Health has administered over 11,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
All individuals in Wisconsin age 16 and over are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. Currently Walworth County Public Health has only the Moderna vaccine and so can only vaccinate those over age 18.
- Appointments with Public Health may be scheduled via: https://walcophdose1.timetap.com/#/ Appointments often open last minute due to cancelations so check back frequently.
- Individuals under age 18 seeking the vaccine may wish to discuss with their health care provider if a vaccine is available for them through their health care system. As more information about how minor’s may access vaccine becomes available we will provide updated instructions.
This week's Data Snapshot.
DHS has now released new COVID-19 Variant Trackers. When viewing the HERC regional grouping, Walworth County is in the Southeast Region.
Public Health has launched a new campaign as we focus on recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Follow us on Facebook to learn more about #RoadtoCommunity and how we use the tools we have to keep our economy open, socialize safely, and continue to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.

March 29, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Vaccination

All appointments & waitlists are full for this week’s COVID-19 vaccine clinics at Walworth County Public Health. Individuals interested in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged to frequently check our website & online scheduler for available appointments or the ability to be added to the waitlist.
- To view other vaccine providers in Walworth County, please review the Wisconsin Department of Health Services COVID-19: Map of Vaccine Providers.
Eliminating barriers to getting a COVID-19 vaccine is crucial to ensuring everyone can access the vaccine and return to the people and things we love. Vaccines are free regardless of where you get the vaccine. Proof of insurance or citizenship is not required. (Some independent vaccinators such as health care providers or pharmacies may ask about insurance. This does not mean it is required or you will be charged.)
Walworth County Public Health has a variety of COVID-19 Educational Materials available on our website: https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/892/Educational-Materials.
Gov. Evers, DHS Announce Everyone 16 and Older Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine Starting April 5 https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/2ca3d5f

Other Updates

Starting 4/1 this update will move to once per week on Thursdays. Special updates will be provided more frequently if anything of relevance arises. Data may be obtained more frequently on the county website at www.co.walworth.wi.us

March 25,2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Vaccination

Vaccine Partner Resources: DHS has created a variety of handouts available in multiple languages to address eligibility, vaccine safety and hesitancy, and more.

Other Updates

This week’s Data Snapshot.

It’s been an entire year since the COVID-19 pandemic began and changed what our “normal” looked like almost overnight. Walworth County Health and Human Services thanks our community for continuing to use #AllTheTools to keep our community safe, healthy, and thriving. To view & share the #RoadToCommunity video on Facebook, visit https://fb.watch/4spq5yxYjR/.

DHS FAQ

Are there resources I can share with the school districts in my jurisdiction that they can use to get the word out about on-going national efforts to vaccinate teachers, school staff and child-care providers?

March is School and Childcare Staff COVID-19 Vaccination Month. The information below, provided by the CDC, can be cut and pasted into messages to share with your school districts, so they can use and adapt the messages as needed.

Please share these resources:

Communication toolkit with posters, fact sheets, newsletter articles, social media graphics, and “I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine” stickers

Web page with the latest information for teachers, school staff, and childcare providers on how to get vaccinated

Plain language materials in multiple languages:

Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines

Communication Resources for COVID-19 Vaccines

Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines

Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine

March 22, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Vaccination

All appointments & waitlists are full for this week’s COVID-19 vaccine clinics at Walworth County Public Health. Individuals interested in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged to frequently check our website& online scheduler for available appointments or the ability to be added to the waitlist.
- To view other vaccine providers in Walworth County, please review the Wisconsin Department of Health Services COVID-19: Map of Vaccine Providers.
Individuals age 16 and older with certain medical conditions are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Wisconsin as of today, March 22^nd.

March 4, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Vaccination

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced today that in addition to the numerous resources available on the DHS COVID-19 vaccine page, Wisconsinites can now call (844) 684-1064 (toll-free) for personal assistance with their vaccine-related questions. Social media graphics that may be shared to promote this hotline are attached.
- This call center can also assist individuals with finding a vaccine location, answering medical questions related to the COVID-19 vaccine, and registering for an appointment
- Includes questions about employment, travel, eligibility, adverse reactions, safety, where to get vaccinated
- The call center is available to anyone with questions, but will be particularly helpful for Wisconsinites without internet access or who have difficulty navigating the internet
Want to know what it’s like to get a COVID-19 vaccine at HHS? Check out the video of our clinic. It is located about halfway down on our vaccine website. https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/896/COVID-19-Vaccine-Information

Other Updates

3/4/21 data snapshot. We remain in Phase 3 of the County’s phased guidance.
Multiple Walworth County businesses have now been recognized by the Stay Safe in Walworth Business Recognition Program for taking steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 by using the Phased Reopening Guidance. Find out more information or how to nominate a business here: https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/925/Business-Recognition-Program
Walworth County is launching a #Allthetools campaign. This campaign encourages everyone to keep using all of the public health tools we have to continue to slow the spread of COVID-19.
- All the Tools (English)
- All the Tools (Spanish)

DHS FAQ

Are election poll workers considered a priority group eligible for COVID-19 vaccination as of Monday, March 1?

Election poll workers are not an eligible group at this time, therefore individuals serving as poll workers are not eligible unless they fall into another currently eligible group. For further information on the COVID-19 Vaccine, including eligibility criteria, where to get a vaccination, and other frequently asked questions, check this DHS webpage.

February 25, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Vaccination

Testing

March testing dates for the Covenant Harbor site. The testing site at the Walworth County Fairgrounds will continue every Tuesday from 9-5 through March 9^th.
- COVID-19 Testing March (English)
- COVID-19 Testing March (Spanish)

Other Updates

2/25/21 data snapshot
Due to issues with the ArcGIS system the Walworth County Schools Data Dashboard will not be updated this week.
New infographic from the National Institute for Health Care Management (NIHCM) Foundation: Helping Children Thrive: The COVID-19 Pandemic's Impact on Health and Well-being

FAQ from DHS

Why are we starting new groups when we have not finished others?

It is very important that we vaccinate as many people as possible as quickly as possible. By starting groups while finishing others, we can make sure that no vaccine goes to waste and those who are at risk have the best chance of getting a vaccine sooner.

February 22, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Vaccination

Public Health Clinic Update:
- We have administered all of the vaccine we have received.
- We received 47% of our vaccine request from the state this week.
- We completed our first second dose clinic last week.
On February 18, DHS announced the Wisconsin COVID-19 Vaccine Registry that will be launching March 1. The vaccine registry is a website that will connect people with available vaccine by letting them know where and when they can get vaccinated. The software will be rolled out in phases to local and tribal health departments, and DHS expects the vaccine registry will be available to all interested vaccinators in the state by April 1. Currently only a limited number of vaccinators are available on this registry. Release in Spanish here.

Other Updates

DHS launched a new variant case counter. As the pandemic continues, DHS is able to identify and understand new variants through molecular surveillance.

FAQ from DHS

Is there updated guidance on face coverings? I would like to provide refresher and booster messaging in my community.

The recent guidance from CDC on face masks focuses on the fit and filtration of masks for protection of health care personnel and the general community. The guidance is based on a recent CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Maximizing Fit for Cloth and Medical Procedure Masks to Improve Performance and Reduce SARS-CoV-2 Transmission and Exposure.
Masks should:
- Completely cover the nose and mouth
- Fit snugly against the sides of the face and not have any gaps
- Be handled only by the ear loops, cords, or head straps (not by the surface of the mask)
Masks should be worn:
- Any time you are in a public setting
- Any time you are traveling on a plane, bus, train, or other form of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations
- When you are around people who do not live with you, including inside your home or inside someone else’s home
- Inside your home if someone you live with is sick with symptoms of COVID-19 or has tested positive for COVID-19
Masks should not be worn:
- By a child under 2 years of age
- By someone with a disability who cannot wear a mask, or cannot safely wear a mask, for reasons related to the disability
- In a situation when wearing a mask would create a risk to workplace health, safety, or job duty as determined by the workplace risk assessment
Language above comes from the CDC. For specific Wisconsin guidance related to face covering requirements, please see Emergency Order #1. Unless otherwise noted, this order is in effect until March 20, 2021. Additional data supporting the importance of fit and filtration is available in this background information for face coverings document.

February 18, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Vaccination

Pre-registration for COVID-19 vaccine is now open for those listed in the next eligible category by DHS. Please review the attached State Disaster Medical Advisory Committee and let those individuals who may be eligible know that they can register for a COVID-19 vaccine via the county website. Vaccination of the next eligible group can not begin until after March 1, 2021.
CDC has released an easy to understand website about What to Expect After Getting a COVID-19 Shot.

Other Updates

This week’s Data Snapshot. Two of the Key Indicators, Hospital Staffing & Long Term Care Facility Staffing, have hit an optimal status and cannot improve any further. When an indicator hits this status, they will now be signified with a green check mark.
On February 18, 2021, Walworth County will move into Phase 3 of its Phased Reopening Guidance for COVID-19. The move comes after all eight key indicators on the Walworth County’s Public Health Community Data Dashboard for COVID-19 successfully met improvement criteria thresholds for over the last 14 days.

FAQ from DHS

Being a rural jurisdiction, it is often difficult for community members to arrange transportation to COVID-19 vaccination appointments. Are there transportation resources I can share with people?

Yes, during the COVID-19 public health emergency, BadgerCare Plus and Wisconsin Medicaid members who are eligible for non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services may schedule rides to COVID-19 vaccination appointments with MTM, Inc. (Wisconsin’s NEMT manager) once members have confirmed their appointment. This includes rides scheduled the same day as the appointment.
To schedule a ride, members may call MTM, Inc. at 866-907-1493 (TTY 711). When scheduling their ride, members will be asked to provide their ForwardHealth ID (from their ForwardHealth card) and the address of the vaccination site.
For more information regarding scheduling rides, refer members to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services NEMT website.

I have received a lot of questions about eligibility versus availability of COVID-19 vaccinations. Is there a response I can use to address this topic that aligns with DHS messaging?

According to the DHS website, COVID-19 vaccine is being distributed to Wisconsin residents in a phased approach. It is important to remember that vaccine supply is limited and vaccinations are targeted to specific groups of people with a higher risk for COVID-19 infection. It will take time to reach all people within each priority population and phase. There is not a hard start or stop for each phase. As vaccine supply and the number of vaccinators increase, phases for distribution may overlap.
The State of Wisconsin is committed to the equitable and fair distribution of the vaccine, and is following prioritization guidelines from the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)(link is external) and the State Disaster Medical Advisory Committee (SDMAC). Many of the priority populations included in each phase are still pending ACIP and SDMAC recommendations.

February 15, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Vaccination

Public Health Clinic Update
- We have administered all of the vaccine we have received.
- We received 40% of our vaccine request from the state this week.
Public Health is now accepting registrations for the next eligible group via the Walworth County website. This group is tentatively slated to be eligible for vaccination on March 1. View more details in the attached SDMAC document or online here. Currently there is not sufficient vaccine supply to vaccinate this entire group and it will take months. Please be patient.
- Education and child care
- Individuals enrolled in Medicaid Long Term Care programs
- 911 operators
- Utility and communications infrastructure
- Public transit
- Food supply chain
- Non-frontline health care personnel
- Staff and residents of congregate living
- Mink husbandry
DHS Investing $6.1 Million to promote equity in COVID-10 Vaccine Program.
- Approximately half of the investment will fund efforts to activate organizations to serve as trusted messengers to build vaccine confidence and reduce barriers that may impede vaccinations in urban and rural areas.
- The remaining $3 million will supplement current vaccine equity work being done by Federally Qualified Health Centers, Aging and Disability Resource Centers, Family Health La Clinica, Minority Health Grantees, and United Way of Wisconsin 2-1-1.
- View the full press release and find the application here.

Other Updates

COVID-19 Health Alert #27: Wisconsin has adopted the updated CDC quarantine guidance for fully vaccinated people who are exposed to COVID-19 A summary of this was provided in this update from Thursday 2/11 update.

FAQ from DHS

I have received a lot of questions lately about the importance of face coverings and how to use them most effectively. Are there reliable resources I can quickly share on this topic.

Yes, CDC just released a new MMWR on masks and added a page called Improve How Your Mask Protects You.
The DHS website has more on masks, including FAQs like the one below.
Background Information for Face Coverings document has been uploaded to PCA portal which includes resources and talking points shared on the DPI/CRT joint webinar for local public health and school stakeholders in January.

How effective are cloth face coverings at preventing spread of the virus?

Cloth face coverings are recommended because they form a barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people. Droplets are released when someone coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice, which is why consistently wearing the face covering is important. This is called source control and is based on what we know about the role respiratory droplets play in the spread of COVID-19, paired with evidence from clinical and laboratory studies that show cloth face coverings reduce the spray of droplets when worn over the nose and mouth. Because COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet), the use of cloth face coverings is especially important in settings where people are close to each other or where practicing physical distancing is difficult.

February 11, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Vaccination

DHS released a new vaccine data dashboard that includes county level data. View the media release here and the dashboard here.
Walgreens is now accepting appointments for vaccination as a part of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program. View the media release here. This includes Walgreens in Whitewater, Elkhorn, Delavan, and Lake Geneva. Quantities of vaccine remain limited.
On Monday 2/15 Public Health will begin accepting registrations for the next eligible group via the Walworth County website. This group is tentatively slated to be eligible for vaccination on March 1. View more details in the attached SDMAC document or online here. Currently there is not sufficient vaccine supply to vaccinate this entire group and it will take months. Please be patient.
- Education and child care
- Individuals enrolled in Medicaid Long Term Care programs
- 911 operators
- Utility and communications infrastructure
- Public transit
- Food supply chain
- Non-frontline health care personnel
- Staff and residents of congregate living
- Mink husbandry

Other Updates

This week’s Data Snapshot.
CDC has updated, and Wisconsin supports, quarantine guidelines for vaccinate individuals. A vaccinated person with an exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 is not required to quarantine if they meet all of the following criteria:
- Their exposure to COVID-19 was:
  - More than 14 days after they were vaccinated with their second dose of vaccine in a two dose series, or one dose in a single dose vaccine.
  - Within 3 months following receipt of the last dose of vaccine in the series
- They have remained asymptomatic since the current COVID-19 exposure.
- Read more here.

Q&A from DHS

What is a COVID-19 variant?

A variant is a new strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus with a specific number of gene mutations that make it unique from the original strain identified.

How are new variants identified?

This is done using a process called whole genome sequencing. Whole genome sequencing takes a sample of the virus and reads the genetic code, the RNA. By doing this, unique strains of the virus are able to be identified.

Does the state screen for COVID-19 variants?

Wisconsin DHS, the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, and other laboratory partners regularly work together to ensure whole genome sequencing is performed on a small proportion of positive tests. Mutations among viruses are very common - it's expected to occur in all viruses, including COVID-19.

February 8, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Vaccination

Public Health Clinic Update
- We have administered all of the vaccine we have received.
- We received 20% of our vaccine request from the state this week.
Gov. Evers, DHS Announce First Community-Based Vaccination Clinic in Rock County to Open February 16. View the press release here.
FAQ provided by DHS: COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility: What to Know.

Other Updates

View the text of Gov. Evers Executive Order #105 and Emergency Order #1.

February 2, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Vaccination

Walworth County Public Health Vaccination Status
- Administered 100% of the doses we received last week during our first week of clinic.
- We received 40% of the vaccine we requested for the week of 2/1
- We continue to receive approximately 500 registrations requesting vaccination per day via the form on the county website. This is predominantly age 65+ with some lingering 1a providers included.
- Public Health continues to focus vaccination on 1a providers and those age 65+ whom do not have a primary medical provider.
Availability of vaccine continues to be the limiting factor in the speed of vaccination in our community.
Terminology change: DHS has changed the terminology they are using to communicate with the public in an attempt to make it more easily understandable. They are now using currently eligible (health care providers, seniors, police and fire) and future eligible (formerly 1b, 1c, 2 and 3). This change is also reflected on the county website.
Added to the County Vaccine Website: links to information for patients at Mercy, Aurora and neighboring systems.
FAQ resources on COVID-19 Vaccination from Project Finish Line

Other Updates

CDC has updated resources to reflect the following requirement: Effective February 2, 2021, masks are required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations:
- Requirement for Face Masks on Public Transportation Conveyances and at Transportation Hubs
DHS has published a testimonial on the use of the Wisconsin Exposure Notification system on Facebook. This is an app free via Apple and Google platforms. WI Exposure Notification testimonial

DHS FAQs

What do we know and not know about the vaccine safety for pregnant women, nursing mothers and children and what are we recommending here in Wisconsin for this group of people?

The data is not yet available to establish the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine when it comes to pregnant women. We do know that pregnancy may increase the risk of illness from COVID-19. Studies are ongoing and more are planned. The recommendations state if a pregnant woman is part of a recommended group, such as a health care professional, she may choose to be vaccinated and have a conversation with her health care professional about risk and benefits. For women who are breastfeeding, mRNA vaccines are not thought to be a risk to breastfeeding infants and she may choose to be vaccinated as well. More data is needed for children, which is forthcoming. Learn more on CDC’s website.

January 28, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Vaccination

Scams: A number of health departments in the area have reported that individuals pretending to be health department employees are making fake vaccination calls. They are even using spoofed numbers to appear to be from the health department. If you find a call questionable, hang up and call the health department or health care provider number directly. Below please find information and resources to share with your consumers on avoiding vaccination scams:
- As COVID-19 vaccinations continue in our community, please be aware of potential COVID-19 vaccine scams. If a vaccinator calls you to schedule an appointment they will not ask for any personal or financial information and will not ask for payment to reserve or receive your vaccine. Learn more about how to avoid COVID-19 vaccine scams from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer protection here.
Phase 1b: DHS announced that phase 1b will be tentatively eligible for vaccine on March 1. View the press release here.
- On 2/15 public health will open a registration form for 1b individuals.
- In coordination with the other vaccinators in our county we will use registrations from this form to connect those seeking vaccine with a vaccinator.
- Please do not contact the health care systems directly about receiving vaccine.
- Those in 1b should register through the county form.
Eligibility: Attached is a graphic that highlights who is eligible for vaccination in Wisconsin.
- Individuals over age 65 who have a health care provider should wait to hear from their provider. Our health care systems have asked that people not call their providers in order to leave phone lines open for other care needs. They will contact you when you when vaccine is available for you.
- Public health continues to register those in phase 1a, police and fire, and those over age 65 who do not have a health care provider.
- To date we have over 4,000 registrations.
The following are vaccination story maps that can be used to help explain what the vaccination process is like:
Vaccination Story Map - English
Vaccination Story Map - Spanish

Other Updates

This week’s data snapshot: COVID-19 Data Snapshot 1-28-2021 .
- Definitions corresponding to the arrows on the snap shot are available on our Community Data Dashboard under the ‘Key Indicators’ tab, https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/888/Community-Data-Dashboard. The color signifies if the indicator is improving, remaining the same, or worsening, and the arrow signifies the direction of change in the trend.
- We remain in Phase 2
DHS released a dashboard looking at the impact of COVID-19 by race and ethnicity. View the dashboard here.

January 25, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Vaccination

Vaccination remains limited to those in phase 1a and individuals age 65+ years. Find more info from DHS here.
Health care systems will be reaching out to their existing patients that are older than 65 to schedule an appointment when vaccine becomes available to them. The systems ask that people not call them directly at this time.
- Press release from Mercy on their roll out of 65+ vaccination: Mercy Health 65+ press release
Public Health will begin vaccinating those in phase 1a and individuals age 65+ this week by appointment only. We received 77% of the vaccine we requested for this week.

Other Updates

A new Walworth County COVID-19 Data Dashboardis now available on our website. This dashboard now includes updated figures, testing data, and vaccination data. The Walworth County Key Indicators will be updated on this dashboard weekly on Thursdays. The indicators from last Thursday have been posted on this dashboard.
- Updated Phased Guidance may be found on our website. The progression through phases has been changed to reflect recent best practices and to help move or community through an incremented recovery that relies on local key indicators.
Last week’s data snapshot with the new metrics: Walworth County COVID-19 Snapshot 1-25-2021
- Based on current key indicators we are in Phase 2 in the phased guidance.

January 21, 2021- Key Walworth County Updates

Vaccination

Walworth County Public Health is now registering the following groups for COVID-19 Vaccination:
- Those in Phase 1A and allowable populations in 1B (including Fire, Law Enforcement, and corrections)
  - If you meet the classification for any of the groups above, please complete the COVID-19 Vaccination Registration form
- Those 65 and older
  - If you have a medical provider please wait to hear from them. They will contact you when vaccine is available for you.
  - If you do not have a medical provider please complete the COVID-19 Vaccination Registration form to be matched with a vaccinator
  - Press release on vaccination for age 65 and older: Press Release - 65 and over Self Registration
Vaccine supply remains limited. The size of the eligible population greatly outnumbers the amount of vaccine. It will take weeks to months to get everyone in the currently eligible population vaccinated. For reference, there are 700,000 people in the age 65+ population who are eligible for the vaccine and WI is only receiving 70,000 doses of vaccine weekly.
For updates, please register with Walworth County via the alert center or by checking our COVID-19 Vaccination Page.
Phase 1B has not officially been released. We hope to see the final populations that will be in 1B still this week. Once finalized registration will be completed through the same form linked above.

Other Updates

An updated data dashboard and Phased Guidance will be released on Monday 1/25. This dashboard update will include vaccination data. At that time the data snapshot for this week will be released.
View the most recent DHS media briefing here.
DHS and WEDC Partner on Employer Survey
- The Department of Health Services (DHS) and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) worked together on a survey that employers in your community may receive (or have already received). The aim is to broadly understand and support employers’ efforts to promote vaccine uptake. The survey results will be used internally to help DHS and WEDC develop information, materials, or other methods to increase the vaccination rate.
- The survey can be found here, and you are welcome to share it with businesses and organizations (including nonprofits) in your community.
Gov. Evers Announces New Public Health Emergency, Issues New Face Coverings Order as State Continues Vaccine Distribution
- Executive Order #104
- Emergency Order #1

January 18, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Vaccination

Wisconsin remains in Phase 1a. Those eligible under that phase may register to be connected to a vaccinator via the Walworth County website: https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/896/COVID-19-Vaccine-Information
DHS is now publishing County level COVID Vaccine Administration data. View the data here.
New from DHS:
- Vaccine Lifecycle Graphic
- Vaccine Allocation Process Graphic

Other Updates

Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service(WIPPS) is still looking to recruit middle and high school students for their Voices of Wisconsin Students Project. Please share the following resources with your partners:
- WI Student Voices Focus Group Project information in English and Spanish
- Promotional flyer

Frequently Asked Questions:

Once a person has been immunized (both shots) and completed self-quarantine following both immunizations, that person is assumed to be successfully immunized. However, while that person may be immune, could that person still be a “carrier” who could infect others?

The phase 3 clinical trials of the vaccine only have looked at the benefit of the vaccine in preventing illness (mild, moderate and severe). They were not designed to provide information on transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, we do not know whether a vaccinated individual may still have the ability to transmit this virus. – Jonathan L. Temte, MD/PhD, associate dean for Public Health and Community Engagement, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

My staff are in the draft 1b category and want to get the COVID vaccine. When will be able to get the vaccine, how will we know we can get it, and how do we sign up?

As of the time of this email WI Department of Health Services has not yet confirmed who will be in the 1B vaccination category or when that will be activated.
- The draft of Phase 1b is out for public comment until 4pm today. We anticipate 1b will be finalized and activated within the next 2 weeks.
Currently the state remains in phase 1a. Once 1b is activated the Wisconsin State Disaster Medical Advisory Committee (SDMAC) will release guidelines on how individuals within the 1b group should be prioritized for vaccination. Vaccinators will work through these recommendations to structure their vaccine distribution.
Those identified in 1b will be able to register through a 1b form on the county website. Those registering will be filtered based on SDMAC guidelines and then assigned to a vaccinator.
Public Health estimates that the 1b category in Walworth County could be approximately 20,000 individuals. This size of a population, paired with limited amounts of vaccine and limited capacity of vaccinators will mean it will take a significant amount of time to work through this phase

January 14, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Vaccination

SDMAC Vaccine Distribution Subcommittee Recommendations for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services for COVID-19 Vaccine Priority Group 1bout for public comment
- Public comments may be submitted to DHSSDMAC@dhs.wisconsin.gov, subject line "Vaccine Subcommittee Phase 1B," by 4:00 PM on Monday, January 18, 2021
Starting tomorrow, DHS will launch a weekly newsletter to provide updates on COVID-19 response and vaccine rollout in Wisconsin. In addition to an update on vaccine eligibility and the number of vaccinations administered in Wisconsin, the newsletter will include key updates from the previous week, as well as COVID-19 resources and links to where Wisconsinites can find more detailed information. Registration is now open, and archived copies of the weekly newsletter will also be available. View the press release here.
DHS launched an enhanced vaccination data page. View the press release on the page here.
Registration for Phase 1a continues: https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/896/COVID-19-Vaccine-Information

Other Updates

This week’s data snapshot: COVID Snapshot 1_14_2021
DHS and Laboratory Partners Identify Variant Strain B.1.1.7 of SARS-CoV-2 in Wisconsin

January 11, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

Vaccination

Vaccine is not yet available to the general public. Walworth County must follow the state mandated phases for vaccination. Please be patient as we work through the phases.
If you are a medical worker or volunteer for a Walworth County organization and meet the classification for Phase 1A, please review the following guidance:
- Check with your organization’s healthcare system about vaccine availability
- If you are not affiliated with a healthcare system that is able to vaccinate, Walworth County Public Health may be able to provide you with a vaccine or match you with another vaccinator.
- Individuals should fill out the COVID-19 Phase 1A Vaccine Registration here.
- If you are an employer wanting to register your organization, everyone within the organization will need to complete their own registration by completing the COVID-19 Phase 1A Vaccine Registration above.
Questions about the registration process may be directed to walcoph@co.walworth.wi.us

DHS today announced police and fire are eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine beginning on 1/18. As emergency medical responders in our community Mercyhealth and Advocate Aurora have already begun vaccinating this population.
This was the first week in Wisconsin that more doses of vaccine were requested by vaccinators than vaccine available.

Other Updates

The Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities has developed a social story about getting a COVID-19 vaccine. This is geared toward helping people with developmental disabilities have a better understanding of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where can I direct members of the public with general vaccine questions?

DHS has created a general inquiry inbox for the public to use to send in COVID-19 vaccine questions: DHSCOVIDVaccinePublic@wi.gov. Additionally, there is the DHS COVID-19 Vaccine page, which contains some commonly asked questions.
Health care providers and vaccinators should continue to submit their questions to DHSCOVIDVaccinator@wi.gov and refer to the DHS COVID-19 Vaccinator page for information.
Questions specific to Walworth County Public Health can be submitted to walcoph@co.walworth.wi.us

Will Walworth County be tracking and publishing data on the number of people vaccinated within the County?

Yes. Public Health can access information on the number of people who reside in the County that have received the COVID-19 vaccine via the Wisconsin Immunization Registry. As we continue to work to provide relevant and transparent information on the COVID-19 recovery we will be looking at how this information can best be communicated to the public.

January 7, 2021 Key Walworth County Updates

This week's COVID-19 data snapshot: COVID Snapshot 1_7_2021
DHS COVID-19 vaccine media briefings are available at https://www.youtube.com/user/dhswi.
Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service (WIPPS) Research Partners are recruiting middle and high school students to engage in discussions about how they are coping during COVID-19. Please share their flyer or visit the WIPPS website for more details.
Thanks to our health care partners, Mercyhealth and Advocate Aurora, COVID-19 vaccination of first responders in Walworth County will begin late this week and continue into next week.

Q&A from WI-DHS

When will vaccine be available to the general public and how will it be administered?

It will likely take several months before we are able to provide widespread vaccinations in Wisconsin. Once the vaccine is available for the general public, there will be a number of ways to receive it including, through a doctor’s office visit, at local pharmacies, local and tribal health departments, community based clinics, and mobile vaccination sites. We are committed to ensuring that the COVID-19 vaccine is accessible to all Wisconsinites through planning, distribution, and ongoing partnership with our local, state, and federal partners.
The DHS website now has a frequently asked questions for COVID-19 vaccine stakeholders, which is part of the DHS COVID-19 vaccination web resources.

How is COVID-19 vaccine being allocated in Wisconsin?

WI-DHS uses guidance from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the State Disaster Medical Advisory Committee (SDMAC) to guide allocation. Currently vaccination is available for phase 1a only.
Using the guidance from SDMAC, WI-DHS further decides vaccine allocation using the below logic:

Fill partial vaccine orders, where applicable. This ensures that everyone who applies to get vaccine will get some, instead of only a few entities.
Vaccine should be administered in the shortest possible time after receipt by vaccinating entity.
Give greater priority to vaccinating entities who will administer vaccine in communities characterized by higher levels of social vulnerability.
Give greater priority to vaccinating entities who will vaccinate unaffiliated healthcare providers such as emergency medical responders.

Long term care facility vaccination is not a part of this allocation and is directed through the Federal Pharmacy Partnership Program with assistance by WI-DHS.

December 30, 2020- Key COVID-19 Updates for the Whitewater Community

Key Walworth County Updates

This week's COVID-19 data snapshot: COVID Snapshot 12_30_2020.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) launched its new COVID-19 vaccine data page yesterday. Data shown includes summary metrics for allocation, shipment, and total vaccine administered, as well as a graph displaying the number of vaccinations administered per day. DHS plans to update these visualizations at 2 p.m. every Tuesday.
Walworth County Public Health has a COVID-19 Vaccine Information page on our website. This page will be frequently updated as more information becomes available.

Walworth County Public Health recognizes the unprecedented challenges and selfless sacrifices that our community, schools, and business have made throughout 2020 as a result of the pandemic. We appreciate our community's support and partnership during this past year - Happy New Year!

December 21, 2020- Key COVID-19 Updates for the Whitewater Community

Key Walworth County Updates

Vaccination

Vaccination Talking Points
- COVID-19 vaccine supply is limited right now; but WI expects to receive additional supply in coming weeks.
- Vaccine is currently targeted to frontline health care workers and residents of long term care facilities. It will take a few months to get this group vaccinated. (COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Phases graphic)
- We ask for your patience as we work together to get to a point where everyone who wants a vaccine has access to a vaccine.
- It will take time for the community to reach herd immunity. In the meantime we need to use all of the tools we have to continue to slow the spread; stay home when sick, socially distance, limit gathering size, wear a face mask, and wash your hands regularly. (All the Tools graphic)
Individuals interested in volunteering to assist with vaccination efforts should register for the Walworth County MRC via the Wisconsin Emergency Assistance Volunteer Registry (WEAVR). Volunteer contact will occur through this system should volunteers be needed (Be a Hero MRC flyer).

Other Updates

WEDC Releases "Well-Being in the Workplace" Guidelines for:
- Employers
- Workers
The holidays can be stressful. Here’s an article from our partners at AdvocateAurora on mental health during the holidays: Could the holidays be making your pandemic anxiety worse?
- If you or someone you know needs help Walworth County Crisis Intervention services are available to persons of all ages 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Services are voluntary unless a situation presents with substantial probability of physical harm to self or others. Call 911 for any immediate safety concerns, including suicide attempts or violence.
New video clips from recent media briefings may be found on Facebook:

December 17, 2020- Key COVID-19 Updates for the Whitewater Community

Key Walworth County Updates

This week's data snapshot.
Holiday Guidance is available in both English & Spanish on the Walworth County Public Health website: https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/856/COVID-19
Gov. Evers Announces New Contact Tracing App to Launch Next Week
- WI Exposure Notification app can alert you if you've been in close contact with a positive case
A press release on the shortened quarantine periods from Walworth County - Quarantine Guidelines Press Release 12092020.
WIAA Board Addresses Quarantine Period & Reviews Sports Season Calendar
- The Board's decision requires the 14-day quarantine period during the winter Tournament Series in 2020-21. During the regular season, 14 days is the recommended standard, but local health departments have the final authority to determine the length of quarantine after close contact with anyone tested positive with COVID-19
Vaccination
- Public Health does not currently have COVID-19 vaccine. We do not have a vaccine registration list. We continue to conduct vaccination planning as more information is provided by DHS. We are required to follow the prioritization criteria provided by the CDC and WI- Department of Health Services.
- The CDC has an FAQ page on vaccination.

FAQs from DHS

If someone has had COVID-19, do the antibodies disappear after a certain amount of time?

The answer, unfortunately, is complex and somewhat unsatisfying. It appears that in many people, the antibody produced in response to an infection depends upon how sick an individual was and also tends to decline with time. We cannot predict in whom or how fast this decline will occur. In addition, the antibody tests are far less than perfect and provide false positive results (indicating exposure when there has been none) and false negative (indicating no exposure when someone has actually been infected). In general, most people will make antibody, but this will decline over time. We are working to discover the rate to which this decline occurs. - Jonathan L. Temte, MD/PhD, Associate Dean for Public Health and Community Engagement, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health UW COVID questions

December 15, 2020- Key COVID-19 Updates for the Whitewater Community

Key Walworth County Updates

Testing

UW Whitewater Surge Testing Update:
- Testing will continue through January 22, 2021
- Monday-Friday 10am-6pm
- Closed 12/23/2020-01/03/2021
- Register online at www.doineedacovid19test.com
Find current Walworth County testing information and flyers on our website, under the Testing tab.

Vaccination

The first round of vaccine has been distributed.
This round is targeted to health care providers and is being provided directly to medical facilities via a hub and spoke model.
Public Health does not have COVID-19 vaccine. When we receive vaccine we are required to follow the ACIP, CDC, and DHS instructions for who may receive the vaccine.
On December 13, 2020 CDC released new COVID-19 vaccine information for consumers, including:
While vaccine is available it will be many months before there will be a high enough vaccination rate to provide protection. In the meantime we encourage you to continue to practice physical distancing, use face coverings, practice frequent handwashing, and stay home when you are sick.

Data

DHS has released a number of new maps. These are also available on the Walworth County data dashboard under the DHS COVID Dashboard tab. This application works best on a desktop.
- Case Rate Data by:

FAQs from DHS:

Where can I direct members of the public with general vaccine questions?

DHS has created a general inquiry inbox for the public to use to send in COVID-19 vaccine questions: DHSCOVIDVaccinePublic@wi.gov. Additionally, there is the DHS COVID-19 Vaccine page, which contains some commonly asked questions.

Health care providers and vaccinators should continue to submit their questions to DHSCOVIDVaccinator@wi.gov and refer to the DHS COVID-19 Vaccinator page for information.

December 10, 2020- Key COVID-19 Updates for the Whitewater Community

Key Walworth County Updates

This week's data snapshot

Testing

Based on current information the Wisconsin National Guard testing site at the County Fair Grounds ended this week. We are awaiting approval for extension of this testing site possibly beginning in January. If the site is continued through December we will provide information once that is confirmed.
Open Arms Free Clinic will be providing a community COVID-19 testing site at the fair grounds for the next few weeks to ensure that we have adequate access to testing for our community over the holidays. A testing flyer is attached.
Covenant Harbor’s testing site continues through December.
UW-W Surge Testing will continue. Visit www.doineedacovid19test.com to register for an appointment.

Data

WI DHS has launched a COVID-19 Wastewater Surveillance Dashboard.
- Wastewater surveillance may allow an increase in COVID-19 cases to be detected as early as a week before a rise in cases from clinical testing is detected
- View the press release HERE.
- New map views from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services have been added as a tab to the Walworth County COVID-19 Community Data Dashboard. A variety of metrics can now be viewed on a county, city, school district, and zip code geographic level.

Vaccination

View the WI DHS update on COVID-19 Vaccination HERE.
DHS has launched a new webpage with important information and answers to common questions about the flu and the flu vaccine. The webpage also includes a link to the Vaccine Finder, so people can find where the vaccine is available near them. In addition, DHS has also created a “Be an InFLUencer” fact sheet with data and other details about preventing flu.
AdvocateAurora will be hosting a town hall meeting on 12/16 at noon where their leading infectious disease specialist, Dr. Rob Citronberg, will answer questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. RSVP as going to get a notification to watch live via Facebook: https://fb.me/e/10nTOCaBP

December 4, 2020- Key COVID-19 Updates for the Whitewater Community

Key Walworth County Updates

Public Health continues to recommend use of Phase 1 in our phased guidelines based on the county’s key indicators
Weekly COVID-19 Snapshot
CDC has released new quarantine guidelines
There is still much unknown about how COVID-19 vaccination will occur in Walworth County. As information on the administration process is known we will share it.
DHS has released new Map Visualizations including a variety of data by city/village/town, school district, and zip code. View the press release.

November 30, 2020- Key COVID-19 Updates for the Whitewater Community

Key Walworth County Updates

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services and UW School for Workers have developed materials to support workers and families through this challenging time
- Working Safely: COVID-19 and Your Job
- COVID-19: Response Resources for Wisconsinites
Looking for materials to share? Find flyers and social media graphics on safe holidays, winter, and gathering on the Walworth County website.
The holidays can be stressful. Add in a pandemic and the stress may be too much. Project Recovery can help www.projectrecoverywi.org. Project Recovery Flyer
While there are still many unknowns regarding vaccination planning, below are some resources for more information about COVID-19 vaccination planning in Wisconsin and nationwide:
- DHS COVID-19 Vaccine page
- CDC: Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines

November 23, 2020- Key COVID-19 Updates for the Whitewater Community

Key Walworth County Updates

With Thanksgiving coming up later this week, consider ways to safely celebrate the holiday season. If celebrating in person with individuals outside of your household we recommend keeping your gathering small and practicing physical distancing as much as possible. Below are some helpful resources to plan your holiday. Resources that will be available on the HHS Facebook page are also attached and may be shared.
- Walworth County Public Health Holiday Season Guidance
- CDC Celebrating Thanksgiving
COVID-19 testing through the National Guard for Walworth County moved to the Walworth County Fair Grounds on 11/24. Public Health continues to coordinate with community partners with the goal of helping them establish testing sites at other locations beginning in December.
Vaccination planning continues. There is still much unknown about the vaccination process and when Walworth County will receive vaccine, as well as what priority groups will be targeted for vaccination in the first phase.

November 19, 2020- Key COVID-19 Updates for the Whitewater Community

Key Walworth County Updates

Walworth County continues to experience a surge in cases and strain on our health care system. We ask you all to urge your partners and key stakeholders to take steps to limit the spread of COVID-19: practice physical distancing, keep your circle of contacts small, stay home if you’re sick, and wash your hands frequently.
The Walworth County Key Indicators and Data Snapshot will be available on our website on November 20th.
Looking for education materials you can share? Check out: https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/892/Educational-Materials
Walworth County’s testing site will be moving to the Walworth County Fair Grounds.
- Walworth County testing flyer English
- Walworth County testing flyer Spanish
- The multi-county testing flyer is updated here.
Hunters reminded of covid-19 safety measures during deer season
- Safety at CWD testing sites
- Reimagining the deer season

FAQs from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Is there a brief list of ways people can make safer choices about planning or participating in holiday gatherings?

Ideas to celebrate more safely

Share a meal with only the people who live in your household.
Prepare meals and treats in a way that doesn't involve contact, this can be a great way to safely share the holidays with family, friends, and neighbors, especially those at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
Have a virtual dinner with friends and family. Consider virtually connecting while you cook, while you eat, or both.
Shop online rather than in person.
Watch sports events, parades, and movies from home.

Make safe choices

Avoid travel. Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.
Be mindful that a COVID-19 test only shows if you have COVID-19 at the moment of your test. If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, it can take up to 14 days to develop symptoms or test positive.
Stay home as much as possible.
Wear a mask when you are in public or in a place with people outside of your household.
Maintain at least 6 feet of physical distance between yourself and others who don't live with you.
Wash your hands frequently.

November 16, 2020- Key COVID-19 Updates for the Whitewater Community

Key Walworth County Updates

COVID-19 Educational Materials from Walworth County Public Health are now available on our website: https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/892/Educational-Materials.
Confused about what qualifies as a confirmed, probable, or suspect case? Check out the flow chart to get a little insight into how a disease report is classified. COVID-19 Case Definition Guide Flow Chart
Public Health continues to recommend the use of face coverings any time that distances of greater than 6 feet cannot be maintained.
Testing continues to be in high demand at community test sites. UW-Whitewater has COVID-19 tests available Monday-Friday. Schedule your COVID test at UWW by visiting www.doineedacovid19test.com
Current county Key Indicators place us at recommending Phase 1 in the Phased Guidance.

FAQs from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Do people who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 need to quarantine or get tested if they come into close contact with someone who is infected with COVID-19?

People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again if they are a close contact of another person that tests positive for up to 3 months after initially testing positive, as long as they do not develop symptoms again. If they develop symptoms, they should isolate and contact a health care provider to discuss whether they should be retested.

November 12, 2020- Key COVID-19 Updates for Whitewater

Key Walworth County Updates

Walworth County continues to experience high levels of demand for testing at the community site. Free community testing for COVID-19 is also available at UW-Whitewater 5 days a week. People may register for a test appointment at UWW by visiting www.doineedacovid19test.com Up to 500 antigen tests are available each day at this site.
Walworth County continues to see an increasing positive test rate. Additionally many of our partner organizations are experiencing staffing shortages as staff become ill or exposed. We kindly request everyone encourage others to limit unnecessary trips and practice physical distancing as much as practical. Remember a negative test today doesn’t mean you won’t contract coronavirus tomorrow and is not a way to get out of quarantine early.
The WI-DHS has added additional data to their the Disease Activity Dashboard including a category of “critically high” and information on probable cases by County.
Information about becoming a COVID-19 Vaccination site and the enrollment process can be found on this page. Including an FAQ on what it means to be a vaccination site and who should enroll.
Are you following the Walworth County HHS Facebook Page. Check us out for infographics and more to share with your partners and customers.

November 9, 2020- Key COVID-19 Updates for the Whitewater Community

Key Walworth County Updates

The Walworth County data dashboard is back up to date. Last week’s data snapshot.
Information on COVID within Walworth County School district boundaries is now available on the Walworth County website.

WI DHS FAQ

When someone cannot wear a face covering due to being in the group of people the CDC recommends not to wear a mask, how could this person visit their loved ones as safely as possible?

Maintain physical distance in a well-ventilated room
In addition to physical distancing, other protective measures include:
- Wear face shields
- Use clear physical barriers, such as a Plexiglas barrier on a table

According to the CDC, face coverings should not be worn by:

Children younger than 2 years old
Anyone who has trouble breathing
Anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the covering without assistance

November 5, 2020- Key COVID-19 Updates for the Whitewater Community

Key Walworth County Updates

Due to technical difficulties, the Walworth County COVID-19 Dashboard has not been updated since 11/3. Walworth County will be postponing the weekly COVID-19 Data Snapshot posted to Facebook and our website every Thursday until tomorrow, Friday 11/6. We are working to fix this problem as soon as possible.
Through the hard work of our Public Health Specialists and Walworth County IT the Walworth County COVID-19 School District Data Dashboard is now publicly available on our website. This dashboard is updated Tuesdays & Fridays with the most recent COVID-19 data of all cases located within school district geographic boundaries. Walworth County Public Health has been working closely with school administrators and sharing this data with them since the beginning of the school year. This information does not look solely at cases of students/staff within districts, but instead all Walworth County residents within district boundaries and should not be used in isolation to determine COVID-19 status relating to a district.
The Walworth County COVID-19 Key Indicators have been updated today (11/5/20) on the website.
UW-Whitewater Community Antigen Testing starts on 11/9: As a part of the UW System surge testing program UW-Whitewater is hosting community testing. This test is a self-collection antigen test designed to screen individuals. Based on results a PCR test may be collected. Free COVID-19 Testing flyer. View more information here: https://www.uww.edu/warhawks-return/testing
The following are updated multi-testing county flyers highlighting all of the reoccurring testing sites in our surrounding communities. Multi-County Community Testing English and Multi-County Community Testing Spanish
Public Health, AdvocateAurora, and Mercyhealth hosted a town hall meeting on Healthy Schools during COVID-19. The recording of the town hall may be viewed here: https://bit.ly/2TUPHzN Passcode is: L+.8Mz&a

WI-DHS Q&A on Quarantine

Why do people quarantine?

When someone is exposed to COVID-19, they must quarantine for 14 days. Exposure includes the following types of contact or closeness with someone who is infected: having direct physical contact (such as a handshake or hug), being within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes within a 24-hour period, coming into contact with the person’s respiratory secretions (including being coughed or sneezed on, touching a used tissue, sharing personal items), and staying overnight at the person’s home. The purpose of staying home and not being around other people (e.g., not going to work, not seeing people socially, not running errands, etc.) is to stop the spread in case the person who was exposed to COVID-19 becomes infected.

What if we were wearing PPE?

Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be fitted to the individual, and people in health care settings are trained to properly put on and take off PPE. Only medical-grade PPE, worn by individuals trained in its use, is considered able to reduce the risk of transmission sufficiently to make quarantine unnecessary in the event of close contact with a person known to have COVID-19. Everyone else must quarantine for 14 days, regardless of the use of PPE.

If I test negative for COVID-19, can my quarantine end before 14 days?

No. It can take up to 14 days after exposure before an infection develops, so a negative test does not change the quarantine end date.

Are there any exceptions when someone could be exempt from quarantine?

On a case-by-case basis, health care* and public safety workers who have been exposed to COVID-19 may, under certain circumstances, be approved to break quarantine to go to work when there is a compelling health or safety reason. Please note, the exception is only to go to work, not to buy groceries, engage in social activities, etc. Quarantining is one of the best tools we currently have to stop the spread of COVID-19. While the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued guidance indicating workers in a broad range of “critical infrastructure” sectors may be exempted from quarantine, DHS recommends that all individuals and workers quarantine for 14 days, with the exception above.

*Note: health care workers include anyone involved in direct patient care (e.g., nurses, nursing assistants, technicians, physicians, phlebotomists), as well as those not directly involved in patient care but who could be exposed (e.g., environmental services). Health care workers include personnel working in hospitals, outpatient medical clinics, long-term care, and assisted living residential facilities.

November 2, 2020- Key COVID-19 Updates for the Whitewater Community

Key Walworth County Updates:

Due to the growing number of COVID-19 cases in Walworth County, Walworth County Public Health has implemented Crisis Standards of Practice for notification and contact tracing. Effective Friday, October 30^th, we will prioritize contacting positive cases who are age 60 and older and children who are 18 years old and younger. All other individuals will be contacted as capacity allows. View the press release here for more information. Help promote resources for notifying your close contacts by sharing the information available from DHS here.
Walworth County has complied a list of the COVID-19 testing locations in our neighboring counties. Please share with anyone looking for testing resources. We will do our best to keep this updated, but residents should be encouraged to verify times and locations before going to a site as alterations may be made by the locations as necessary. Multi-County Community COVID-19 Testing flyer
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3rd, it’s important to remember that many of our normal voting practices may be altered. Below are resources for communicating about safe voting during COVID-19:
- CDC Considerations for Polling Locations and Voters (updated 10/29/2020)
- CDC Toolkit for Reducing the Spread of COVID-19 During Elections (contains sample social media posts, graphics, and videos, and cleaning and disinfection instructions)

October 26, 2020- Key COVID-19 Updates for the Whitewater Community

Key Walworth County Updates:

Walworth County reoccurring community COVID-19 test site starts tomorrow at Lakeland Community Church. Flyer COVID-19 Testing Lakeland Community Church - English and Flyer COVID-19 Testing Lakeland Community Church - Spanish
After completing 500 tests in under one week, Open Arms Free Clinic has completed their contract and has closed for community testing. As a valued partner in our community they will be working with Public Health to help provide testing upon referral by Public Health for outbreak management.
The Walworth County Case Data Dashboard is now available on mobile! View this and the desktop version of the dashboard on our County HUB site. Visit the dashboard for the most up to date data.
CDC Updates Definition of Close Contact
- Note: CDC's update does not change recommendations for Wisconsin. Public health guidance in Wisconsin has included "single encounter of more than 15 minutes OR multiple encounters with a single day adding up to more than 15 minutes" in the definition of close contact for several months. See also: Contact Risk Assessment Flowchart on PCA Portal COVID-19 Resources under "Case Investigations Toolkit"
- CDC’s definition of a close contact shifts from someone who spent at least 15 minutes within 6 feet of a confirmed case to someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period.

October 23, 2020- Key COVID-19 Updates for the Whitewater Community

Key Walworth County Updates:

Following the Wisconsin Electronic Disease Surveillance System (WEDSS) update over the weekend Public Health needed to move into Crisis standards for contact tracing to ensure high priority contacts and disease incidents were contacted promptly. As of today we have moved out of crisis standards and are back performing full close contact notification.
A community testing site will begin at Lakeland Community Church on Tuesday 10/27. The site is open to the public and will operate Tuesdays from 9a-5p through December 10, 2020. COVID-19 Testing Lakeland Community Church English flyer. A Spanish version of this flyer will be available early next week.
Regional testing sites are available. COVID-19 Testing Racine-Kenosha-Walworth English/Spanish flyer
This week’s COVID-19 Data Snapshot. Remember you can find the metrics published here updated daily on the County’s COVID-19 data dashboard key indicator tab.
Tellyourcontacts.org is a free service that individuals who test positive for COVID-19 can use to anonymously tell their contacts they may have been exposed
Updated: Public Gatherings Limit FAQhas been updated with information about indoor spaces that are exempt from the order.
- Grocery stores have now been added as an exempt indoor space under “public infrastructure”.

October 19, 2020- Key COVID-19 Updates for the Whitewater Community

Key Walworth County Updates

Public Health continues to work through the changes in our data analysis due to the WEDSS update. Data this week may be delayed or appear skewed.
Walworth County Public Health is hosting a flu shot clinic for children & teens on Saturday, Oct. 24^th from 8-11:00am. Please see the attached flyer for more information. This year it is extra important to get your flu shot to prevent our hospitals from being overburdened.

Say Boo to the Flu (English)

Say Boo to the Flu (Spanish)

Resources from DHS
- Next Steps: Notifying Close Contacts of Their Exposure
- COVID-19 Next Steps: College Students
- How to Avoid Exposure When Living with Someone Diagnosed with COVID-19 (available in English, Hmong, Spanish)
- Resources for Assistance in Wisconsin (available in English, Hmong, Spanish)
- Flu Vaccine during the COVID-19 Pandemic

October 16, 2020- Key COVID-19 Updates for the Whitewater Community

Key Walworth County Updates

This week’s Walworth County COVID-19 Data Snapshot: COVID SnapShot 10-15-2020
A change in the way we calculate active and recovered cases has been performed. The data guru’s in public health have identified methods to make this reporting more accurate. This change will slightly alter the recovered case number resulting in a decrease on the graph on the data dashboard. However, this will make the data more accurate as we move forward.
The Wisconsin Electronic Disease Surveillance System (WEDSS) will be undergoing routine maintenance Friday October 16, 2020, through Sunday, October 18, 2020. Walworth County Public Health will not be contacting any positive cases or contacts during the system upgrade and will resume contact on Monday, October 19^th. Individuals who are awaiting test results should stay home, isolate away from other individuals, and monitor for symptoms. The Walworth County Data Dashboard will not be updated on Monday, October 19^th and will resume normal updates on Tuesday, October 20^th.
Times are stressful and COVID is certainly having an impact on mental health throughout our communities. Annually in October Walworth County has a suicide awareness and prevention walk. This year’s will look a bit different. The Walworth County Out of Darkness Experience will be occurring on 10/24/2020. Find more information here: https://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.event&eventID=6931
Looking for resources for safe holiday celebrations: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html
Today, Oct. 15^th, is Global Handwashing Day. Hand hygiene is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. The CDC has several resources to promote handwashing.

From the Health Officer:

Since March of 2020 Walworth County Public Health staff have managed more than 30,000 COVID-19 test results and 111 COVID-19 outbreaks, this is thousands more communicable disease reports than are typically seen in this county in a year, let alone 7 months. If you interact with a local public health employee please give them your thanks; be they from Walworth County or anywhere else in the state. Their work is difficult and often underappreciated. They’ve maintained dignity and grace in very trying times. Thank you local public health staff.

Respectfully,

Erica Bergstrom, MPH
Health Officer
Walworth County Department of Health and Human Services
Division of Public Health
1910 County Road NN, PO Box 1005, Elkhorn, WI 53121
Office: (262) 741-3200
Fax: (262) 741-3757

October 8, 2020- Key COVID-19 Updates for the Whitewater Community

Key Walworth County Updates

Gov. Evers Directs Department of Health Services to Limit Indoor Public Gatherings
This week’s Walworth County COVID-19 Data Snapshot is attached.
An update to the Wisconsin Electronic Disease Surveillance System (WEDSS) will occur 10/16-10/18. This update will impact our ability to complete contact tracing over that weekend and will result in anomalies in our data. These data abnormalities are not expected to last more than a week but we want to encourage caution when viewing the data during the week immediately following the update. At this time we are not sure of the full impact of the update on our data monitoring and reporting. More information will be shared as available.

Message from Sheriff Picknell

“I have reviewed the emergency order and spoke with the District Attorney along with Walworth County Health and Human Services Public Health. The District Attorney advised that Wisconsin Statute 252.25, the statute permitting enforcement of the order, does not allow citations to be issued against businesses. Businesses are free to set their own public health restrictions on the number of people who enter or gather within their business and they may deny entry or service to people refusing to follow the business’s restrictions.

Walworth County Public Health will continue to partner with the Sheriff’s Office to track concerns and implement appropriate Public Health responses. Our Health and Human Services website https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/FormCenter/Public-Health-Division-4/Mask-Mandate-Compliance-Concern-58 offers an opportunity for the community to report concerns directly to the Public Health Department. This website https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/856/COVID-19also houses the recently updated Phased Guidance document that provides clear strategies for individuals and businesses.”

September 28, 2020- Key COVID-19 Updates for the Whitewater Community

Key Walworth County Updates

Community Testing:

Walworth County is hosting a community COVID-19 testing site on Sept. 29^th & 30^th 10am-6pm at the Walworth County Fairgrounds. Testing information

FAQs:

Should employers notify other employees if they learn about a COVID-19 case in the workplace?

If an employer learns that a worker is confirmed to be infected with COVID-19, the employer should inform fellow workers who were in close contact with the individual that they were possibly exposed to COVID-19 in the workplace. Employers must maintain the confidentiality of the infected individual, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. In addition, employers must report the case to their local or tribal health department (LTHD) and follow guidance from the LTHD.

“Close contact” is defined as:

Anyone who was within six feet of a person who tested positive for at least 15 minutes in a 24-hour period, starting from

Two days before the individual developed symptoms.
Two days before their positive test, if the individual did not have symptoms.

Or someone who

Had direct physical contact with the person who tested positive, including but not limited to a hug or a handshake.
Came into contact with the person’s respiratory secretions, including but not limited to exposure to cough or sneeze droplets; contact with a used tissue; or sharing a drinking glass, towel, or other personal item.

September 24, 2020- Key COVID-19 Updates for the Whitewater Community

Key Walworth County Updates

Walworth County COVID-19 Snap Shot

FAQs:

How can you avoid exposure when living with someone diagnosed with COVID-19?

If someone in your household has been diagnosed with COVID-19, there are precautions you can take to avoid exposure so you and others can stay healthy.

Limit Contact - avoid physical contact with the diagnosed person or their respiratory droplets and avoid sharing personal items
Wear Mask and Gloves - if physical distancing is not possible, it is important to wear a mask when around the diagnosed person. Gloves are recommended when cleaning and disinfecting areas and objects used by an infected person.
Clean and Disinfect - clean hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer, clean and disinfect "high touch" areas, and clean and disinfect any areas the diagnosed person came into contact with
Track Your Own Health - household members should stay home and quarantine and check for symptoms including cough, fever, and shortness of breath

These precautions are detailed in the DHS How to Avoid Exposure When Living with Someone Diagnosed with COVID-19 factsheet, which is available in English, Hmong, and Spanish

September 17, 2020- Key COVID-19 Updates for the Whitewater Community

Key Walworth County Updates

FAQs:
How do I address false claims that may be circulating in my community about COVID-19 prevalence, face coverings and other aspects of this pandemic and still keep the focus on the message that I want people to hear?

Occasionally, public health may not be able to avoid addressing false claims. In these situations, consider the approach of George Lakoff and journalists who are using a technique called the “truth sandwich.”

Lakoff’s truth sandwich recipe is:

Start with the truth. The first frame gets the advantage.
Indicate the lie. Avoid amplifying the specific language if possible.
Return to the truth. Always repeat truths more than lies.

For an example of the "truth sandwich," and other communication reframing techniques applied specifically to the issue of face coverings, check out Tips for Communicating about Masks in the Midst of Misinformation from Berkeley Media Studies Group.

September 14, 2020- Key COVID-19 Updates for the Whitewater Community

Key Walworth County Updates

UW-Whitewater has created a COVID-19 Dashboard that provides data on numbers of student cases, available isolation dorms, etc. https://www.uww.edu/warhawks-return/dashboard
What you need to know when analyzing daily COVID-19 data. Dr. Ashok Rai urges people to look for trends in the numbers instead of reading into them on a daily basis
New and Updated from CDC:
- Cleaning and Disinfection for Community Facilities
- Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Caring for Newborns
- What to Do if Your Pet Tests Positive for the Virus that Causes COVID-19

September 3, 2020- Key COVID-19 Updates for the Whitewater Community

Key Walworth County Updates

This link contains this week’s Walworth County COVID-19 Data Snapshot.
The recording of Monday’s Virtual Town Hall: Employer Best Practices During COVID-19 is up on the Walworth County Public Health website: https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/885/Virtual-Town-Halls
New and Updated from CDC:
- Limiting Workplace Violence Associated with COVID-19 Prevention Policies in Retail and Services Businesses
- How to Make 0.1% Chlorine Solution to Disinfect Surfaces in Healthcare Settings
- Operational Considerations for Schools
A new report from DHS provides guidance to Address increased suicide deaths in Wisconsin https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/news/releases/090220a.htm

August 31, 2020- Key COVID-19 Updates for the Whitewater Community

Key Walworth County Updates:

The CDC has released a number of updates New and Updated from CDC:

Updated Testing Guidance - Overview of Testing for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
Kentucky has used using multiple data points develop a novel way of assigning a daily COVID score to the state. MMWR: Primary Indicators to Systematically Monitor COVID-19 Mitigation and Response--Kentucky, May 19-July 15, 2020
CDC has published a toolkit for People 15 to 21
Operational Considerations for Schools

Walworth County Public Health has developed and published a guide for parents with students returning to school this fall:

Walworth County Immunization clinics have reopened and are by appointment only.
Monday - Friday
8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Call to schedule an appointment - 262-741-3200

August 27, 2020- Key COVID-19 Updates for the Whitewater Community

Key Walworth County Updates:

Walworth County Public Health, Advocate Aurora Health, & Mercyhealth are hosting Employer Best Practices During COVID-19: Virtual Town Hall with Walworth County Public Health & Healthcare on Monday, August 31^st at 9:00 am.
CDC has released a number of updates for schools returning to face-to-face instruction Strategies for Protecting K-12 School Staff from COVID-19

August 24, 2020- Key COVID-19 Updates for the Whitewater Community

Key Walworth County Updates:

Public Health is partnering with Mercyhealth and Advocate Aurora for the "Employer Best Practices during COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall". This event is a partnership between Walworth County Public Health and our community healthcare partners. The event is scheduled for MONDAY, AUGUST 31ST AT 9:00AM. Registration is required for this event. Please visit https://bit.ly/2Qk37DJ to learn more and register.
New and Updated Resources from the Wisconsin Farmworkers Coalition and Family Health La Clinica

o Wisconsin Farmers Coalition Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Workers (MSAW) COVID-19 Resource Page

o Dairy Workers COVID-19 Resource Page

FAQs

Do people who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 need to quarantine or get tested if they come into close contact with someone who is infected with COVID-19?

People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again if they are a close contact of another person that tests positive for up to 3 months after initially testing positive, as long as they do not develop symptoms again. If they develop symptoms, they should isolate and contact a health care provider to discuss whether they should be retested.

August 20, 2020- Key COVID-19 Updates for the Whitewater Community

Key Walworth County Updates:

*The Department of Health Services has released the COVID-19 Individual Decision tool to help people make safe decisions about how and where to gather. https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/news/releases/081920a.htm

*The Department of Health Services also released its long-awaited Guidelines for the Prevention, Investigation, and Control of COVID-19 Outbreaks in K-12 Schools in Wisconsin. https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p02757.pdf This document is helpful, although offers much of the same information local health offices have been providing to school districts throughout the summer. It does not provide specific guidelines about when schools should offer face-to-face, hybrid, or distance learning. These decisions remain in the hands of individual school districts and local health offices.

August 17, 2020- Key COVID-19 Updates for the Whitewater Community

Key Walworth County Updates:

715 people took advantage of COVID testing during the two-day public testing event in Delavan
The CDC released a number of updates included below:

Updated Isolation Guidance Does Not Imply Immunity to COVID-19 details new guidelines indicating that it is not necessary to re-test confirmed cases within 3 months of infection
Information for Pediatric Healthcare Providers reflects new evidence about COVID-19 in children
Contact Tracing Resources Added
Disparities in Incidence of COVID-19 Among Underrepresented Racial/Ethnic Groups highlights the increased risk for infection, severe illness, and death from COVID-19 among communities of color.

FAQs:

Are there supports or tools I can offer to community members, school personnel, and families to help with children's emotional health during these stressful times?

The Feelings Thermometer, provided through the Office of Children's Mental Health (OCMH), is available for download or order a free magnetized version for easy posting. It is a visual tool to post on the refrigerator that helps everyone — from kids to adults— measure how they are doing emotionally with tips on how to shift your mood from angry to calm. Research tells us that just identifying a calming activity can reduce anxiety.

OCMH has also recently released the Supporting Child Well-Being Through Improving School Outcomes fact sheet which focuses on what parents, early childhood education providers, teachers and districts, and policymakers can do to support students at risk for expulsion.

The Resilient Wisconsin website also offers practical tools and sources of support that can help strengthen personal resilience during times of stress, so parents and caregivers can take care of themselves and those people around them during COVID-19 and beyond.

May 15, 2020- Key COVID-19 Updates for the Whitewater Community

Municipal Facility Closures

Though the Wisconsin Supreme Court overturned the Governor’s Safer At Home order (Order #28), many of the practices outlined in the Governor’s order were of significant value in protecting the health and safety of employees. Because the dangers associated with the spread of COVID-19 remain, the City of Whitewater will continue with modified operations until further notice. As a result, municipal facilities will remain closed to the public until further notice. This standard will be reevaluated on or before June 1, 2020. Any updates or changes will be provided publicly via this page as well as the City’s other media outlets.

May 14, 2020- Key COVID-19 Updates for the Whitewater Community

View the May 14, 2020 press release from City Manager, Cameron Clapper in reference to the changes made to the Safer at Home Emergency Order #28.

March 31, 2020- SBA Paycheck Protection Program

To All Whitewater Businesses:

Please see the below information regarding the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) which was signed into law by President Trump on Friday (March 27th). Special thanks to Knight Public Affairs for assembling this information.

Individuals with questions should contact their preferred lender for more details.

The CARES Act will put the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for small businesses and nonprofits into action.

The SBA is finalizing the regulations and requirements for the PPP and banks are waiting for guidance on how to move forward, however it is important for you to get with your lender now to be prepared in every way you can.

The documents below will help you begin the process:

CARES Act FAQs

Small Business Owners Guide to the CARES Act

Here are more COVID-19 procedures and announcements that may be helpful to you:

DOR Tax Filing Deadline Extension

DOT Rest Areas Remain Open

OCI Guidance on Insurance Flexibility

DATCP Guidance for Food Supply and Delivery

DOT Emissions Testing Timeline

DWD Unemployment Information

DFI Federally Insured Financial Institutions

DPI Updates

COVID-19 Community Updates

Whitewater COVID-19 Information Line-262-473-1398

Emergency Rental Assistance

COVID-19 Dashboards and Data

Public Health Resources

Business Resources

Key COVID-19 Updates for the Whitewater Community

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December 30, 2020- Key COVID-19 Updates for the Whitewater Community

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