By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
The Walworth County Health & Human Services Department stated in its January 27 weekly report that the county remains in the CDC’s high COVID-19 transmission level, along with all other WI counties. The county’s transmission level this week declined to 1104 cases per 100,000 vs. last week’s 2226. Three weeks ago, however, the level was “only” 686.”
Walworth County statistics as of January 27 may be viewed here. Although it has been indicated that, on average, the Omicron variant of the virus which is now dominating the state is less serious than Delta was, only an average of 3.5% of ICU beds in the county are available.
The county states, “Current models predict that we may have passed our most recent surge peak. However, case levels will remain high for the next few weeks as we move back down the curve. In addition flu activity continues in the area. Please remember to stay home if you are sick, wash your hands regularly, and cover your cough/sneeze.”
Information on testing sites, including at UW-Whitewater, may be found here. As was previously announced on the Banner, the federal government is now mailing four at-home COVID-19 test kits to any residence upon request. At-home tests may also be available at local retailers. Private insurance companies are now required to pay for or reimburse, subject to a limit, for the purchase of at-home tests; however, Medicare is not providing this coverage.
The first wave of 400 million free high-filtration “N95” masks provided by the federal government have shipped to participating pharmacies and community health centers. Although many people find these masks to be uncomfortable, they have been found to offer the best protection against COVID-19, far better than cloth masks without filters. Some masks are now available, with a limit of four per family. More will be arriving in coming days, and the program will be fully running by early February, according to White House officials. It was recently reported that a supply of masks was available at the Walmart courtesy desk, but the Banner has not confirmed whether there is current availability there or at Walgreens. If readers have current information, we would be happy to receive a report.
