(Walworth Co. Division of Public Health press release) ELKHORN, WI — On February 18, 2021, Walworth County moved to Phase 3 of its Phased Guidance for COVID-19. The Division of Public Health initiated the shift after observing sustained improvement in all key indicators highlighted on Walworth County’s Public Health Community Data Dashboard.

The most notable change from Phase 2 to Phase 3 is an increase in recommended capacity from 50% to 75% for certain industries and some larger permitted gathering sizes. While Phased Guidance recommendations become more relaxed, Walworth County Health Officer Erica Bergstrom encourages that collective actions to prevent COVID-19 remain steadfast. “Our community has worked diligently and made tremendous sacrifices to prevent the spread of COVID-19 over the last year,” she states. “At this pivotal point in our recovery, we must remain vigilant in protecting our community against COVID-19. When we use all available tools and strategies, we ensure that we stay on this encouraging path.”

Even as vaccines become more readily available, it remains important to use all preventative actions to protect against COVID-19. These include being vaccinated when and if able, maintaining physical distance from those outside of your household, wearing a face covering, washing your hands frequently, staying home when you’re sick, and getting tested if you have symptoms.

For more information on Walworth County Public Health’s data, Phased Guidance, and using all tools and strategies to slow the spread of COVID-19, please visit the county website at https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/856/COVID-19. Questions on the Phased Guidance may be sent to walcoph@co.walworth.wi.us.