In November 2021, 732 Green County residents tested positive for COVID-19. This is the largest number of cases in a single month in Green County. As cases continue to rise, Green County Public Health urges community members to act to prevent the spread of COVID-19 this holiday season.

The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Currently, everyone over the age of 5 is eligible to get vaccinated against COVID-19. If you’ve already been vaccinated and you’re over the age of 16, you should get a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose.

Taking additional steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is also necessary, even for people who have been vaccinated. No vaccine is 100% effective, and breakthrough infections of those who have been vaccinated can happen. The COVID-19 virus is extremely contagious and these mitigation measures will add additional layers of protection to keep you and others healthy. Take the following actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19: Wear a mask in indoor public places. Practice physical distancing; stay at least 6 feet away from people you do not live with. Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer. If you are sick stay home, do not attend work, school, holiday gatherings or other events. If you are sick or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, get tested for COVID-19.

Our contact tracing staff have heard from people who thought their symptoms were just their yearly cold or seasonal allergies. Not everyone with COVID-19 has severe symptoms – but they could pass the virus on to someone who may develop serious symptoms. If you have any symptoms – a runny nose, cough, sore throat, headache, body aches, chills, loss of taste/smell, or a fever, please get tested. To find a testing location near you please visit the Green County Public Health website at https://wi-greencounty.civicplus.com/401/COVID-19-Testing.

When planning holiday gatherings with loved ones keep these recommendations in mind. Keeping gatherings small, or having virtual gatherings with people you do not live with is the safest option. If you do gather with others, having outdoor gatherings (if the weather is appropriate) is safer than gathering indoors. Encourage family members and loved ones to stay home from the gathering if they are not feeling well. For more recommendations visit the CDC’s website at https://wi-greencounty.civicplus.com/401/COVID-19-Testing.

Please visit the Green County Public Health Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GreenCountyPublicHealth and website at https://wi-greencounty.civicplus.com/192/Public-Health, and the Wisconsin Department of Health Service’s website at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/ and social media pages.