Clark County Health Department Recommends Wearing a Mask in Indoor Settings Regardless of Vaccination Status

Wednesday, August 4th, 2021 -- 12:01 PM

Clark County has a "substantial" COVID-19 rate of transmission.

With this transmission level, the Clark County Health Department is recommending that all individuals age 2 and older (as able), regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask while present in public indoor settings.

Transmission levels by county can be found here: https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view.  From January 1, 2021 to July 22, 2021, 98.4% of COVID-19 infections in Wisconsin have been amongst people who are not fully vaccinated.

The 7-day average of new confirmed cases has increased 330% in just two weeks, from an average of 153 new cases per day on July 16, 2021 to 658 on July 30, 2021 in Wisconsin.  Data shows the Delta variant is more contagious than previous versions of the virus (200%).

The highest spread of cases and severe outcomes is happening in places of low vaccination rates and among unvaccinated people. Clark County has one of the highest case rates and lowest vaccination rates in Wisconsin. https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/.

The updated CDC guidance for fully vaccinated individuals can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/.../fully-vaccinated-guidance.html.  Additional guidance states fully vaccinated people who have a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 is recommended to be tested 3-5 days after exposure, and to wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result.

Universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.