DRIFTLESS - Over the past week COVID-19, diagnoses statewide increased from 587,710 on Monday, Apr. 12 to 590,831 on Monday, Apr. 19. That is a statewide increase of 5,121 cases. The number of deaths increased from 6,680 to 6,710, an additional 30 deaths, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS).

As of Monday, April 19, there have been 212 million vaccine doses administered in the U.S., and more than half of U.S. adults have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. There have now been 31,484,148 cases of COVID in the U.S., and 564,292 deaths.

 The state Department of Health Services (DHS) reported its seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases has declined for four consecutive days. It's been a month (March 20) since that last occurred. The seven-day average number of COVID-19 in-patients, as tracked by the Wisconsin Hospital Association, has risen for 13 consecutive days.

“The COVID-19 virus is still spreading throughout our county and we are seeing our number of cases slowly rise again” reports Cindy Riniker, Health Officer, “So, please follow public health recommendations and practices of wearing a mask when in public, physical distancing from others, avoiding crowded places, avoiding all non-essential travel and getting vaccinated.”

Vaccine distribution

As of Monday, April 19, the State of Wisconsin is nearing having 30 percent of the population vaccinated, with 3,888,870 doses administered.

As of April 19, 40.1 percent (6,467) of Crawford County residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 31 percent (4,999) residents have completed the vaccine series 

In Vernon County, 37.7 percent (11,626) have received at least one dose, and 28.5 percent (8,792) have received two doses.

In Richland County, 40.8 percent (7,034) have received at least one dose, and 29.4 percent (4,999) have received two doses.

In Grant County, 35.5 percent (18,236) have received at least one dose, and 25.9 percent (13,326) have received two doses.

With everyone ages 16 and older now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) encourages everyone to schedule an appointment. Anyone that lives, works, or studies in Wisconsin can get vaccinated for free—even if you cannot provide proof of residency, do not have a valid state identification, or do not have insurance.

 “This pandemic has proven that our health is connected with the health of everyone in our community. COVID-19 is a contagious virus that spreads from person to person but the vaccine helps stop the spread. The more people that are vaccinated, the more protected Wisconsin is from the virus. That is why our biggest priority is to get 80 percent of Wisconsin vaccinated,” said DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake. “To achieve that community immunity, we must work to remove barriers that prevent Wisconsinites from accessing the vaccine. If you don’t have an ID or insurance, you will not be turned away.”

COVID-19 vaccines are readily available at Crossing Rivers Health in Prairie du Chien. Appointments can be made by calling 608-357-2500 or visiting crossingrivers.org/vaccine. Everyone in Wisconsin age 16 and older is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost. To date, Crossing Rivers Health has only received the Moderna vaccine, which is authorized for use in people who are 18 years of age and older. Those who are 16 or 17 years old may be added to our waiting list and will be contacted if we receive the Pfizer vaccine in the future.

At the Crawford County Public Health vaccine registration website individuals can schedule an appointment, and know what vaccine they will be giving before signing up.  Clinic schedules will open mid-week for the following week clinics.  

To register for upcoming COVID-19 clinics go to https://www.crawfordcountywi.org/health.html or call our office at 608-326-0229.

In Vernon County, there is a new self-schedule link for the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic on Wednesday April 21st, 2021 at the Viroqua Church of Christ. 

We currently have 48 appointment times available.

https://hipaa.jotform.com/211084838390155

Please click the link below to schedule your appointment. After entering your information and selecting your time, you must click the “I am not a robot AND submit. 

*Due to JotForm rules—do not book more than 2 appointments from one device. JotForm will not successfully book all appointments*

Pfizer Vaccine: Must be 16+ and if you are under 18, you must have a parent/guardian with you at the clinic. Do not schedule an appointment if you are not able to be accompanied by your parent/guardian. 

The second dose will be in three weeks on Wednesday May 12th, 2021. It is important that when you book your appointment you are able to attend both appointments.

COVID variants

Twenty-six states (up from 24) have all three variants circulating in their populations. Those states include Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.

In Wisconsin 23.8 percent of all positive COVID tests are for the B.1.1.7 (UK) variant, 11.1 percent for the California variants, 1.9 percent for the South Africa variant, and 1.4 percent for the Brazil variant.

In Minnesota, 55.6 percent of all new COVID cases are for the UK variant, 13.8 percent for the California variants, 0.1 percent for the South Africa variant, and 0.3 percent for the Brazil variant.

In Illinois, 30.1 percent of new tests are for the UK variant, 15.3 percent for the California variants, 7.9 percent for the Brazil variant, and 0.5 percent for the South Africa variant.

In Michigan, 57.6 percent of all new cases are for the UK variant, 5.8 percent for the California variants, 0.2 percent for the Brazil variant, and 0.1 percent for the South Africa variant.

Crawford Countysaw an increase in cases in the last week of 10, increasing to 1,700. The number of deaths remained at 17.

Crawford County Public Health continues to offer COVID-19 testing for those with no healthcare provider, no or poor insurance coverage, or part of a disease investigation.  We offer this service on Monday mornings outside the administration building by appointment only.  Community testing sites using National Guard personnel are available in Vernon County twice monthly, Lancaster weekly, and Gays Mills will continue with a monthly clinic. 

Vernon Countysaw an increase of 11 cases in the last week, increasing to 1,903. The number deaths increased by two to 45.

Vernon County will continue testing every other Tuesday at the Old County Highway Shop, 602 N. Main Street, in Viroqua on May 4, May 18.

Richland Countysaw an increase of four cases in the last week, increasing to 1,290. Deaths remained at 15.

Monroe Countysaw an increase of 34 cases in the last week, increasing to 4,438. The number of deaths increased by one to 37.

LaCrosse Countysaw an increase in new cases of 32, increasing to 12,547. The number of deaths remained at 80.