COVID-19 update: Positive cases still high in Door, Kewaunee counties but appear to have slowed in past week

The number of new positive tests for the COVID-19 virus continued to soar in Door and Kewaunee counties over the past two weeks, but a slowdown over the past week in the number of cases apparently mirrors what's happening nationally and across the state.

According to Wisconsin Department of Health Services figures, Door County recorded 689 positive tests between Jan. 11 and 24, but 426 of those (a seven-day record for the county) came in the first seven days of that span, with 172 recorded from Jan. 18 to 24.

Similarly, but not nearly at as large a scale, Kewaunee County saw 352 positives in those two weeks, but with 216 in the first week and 136 in the second.

Wisconsin also has seen its numbers begin to creep downward in the past week. DHS data shows that after two weeks where the number of positive tests across the state each day were almost always between 13,000 and 20,000, peaking with 38,436 on Jan. 16, they've slowly but steadily fallen since Jan. 20, with 5,768 cases reported Jan. 24. The statewide seven-day average of positives peaked at almost 19,000 on Jan. 19 but since has dropped to 9,781.

Because of the national and state data, a number of public health officials have said the recent surge caused by the omicron variant of the virus, a much more contagious but less deadly version, may have peaked in the U.S.

But it's continuing to surge in other countries where COVID-19 vaccines generally are less available and health protocols such as face mask wearing may not be practiced as much, leading officials to remain concerned about the virus mutating.

In fact, news broke Monday that the omicron variant has mutated into a new subvariant, called BA.2, which has infected people in 40 countries, including the U.S. Early reports are that it seems to spread even more easily, already a hallmark of omicron compared to its predecessors, but the severity of its health effects aren't yet known.

Health officials and doctors continue to stress that getting vaccinated and practicing other public health protocols, like wearing face masks, especially N95 or KN95 masks, remains the best option for people to stay well and slow the spread of the virus. Statistics continue to show that vaccinated people who do contract the virus are far less likely to be hospitalized because of it than unvaccinated people.

Appointments are required for COVID-19 vaccines given by the Kewaunee County Public Health Department, which gives the shots Tuesdays and Fridays for ages 5 and older at its office. The department also is open to giving vaccinations on location at local businesses, work sites or farms. For appointments or more information, call 920-388-7160.

For appointments or more information on vaccine clinics offered throughout Door County by the Door County Public Health Department, call 920-746-7180 or visit bookdcph.timetap.com or co.door.wi.gov and click on the "COVID-19 Vaccine and Updates" bar at the top of the homepage.

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Statistics as of Jan. 24 (provided by the county and state health departments) are as follows:

Positive tests (includes probable cases):

• Kewaunee County, 352 from Jan. 11 to 24
• Door County, 689 from from Jan. 11 to 24

Negative tests in past two weeks:

• Kewaunee, 363
• Door, 306

Percentage of positive tests in past two weeks (positivity rate):

• Kewaunee, 39.1%, down from 58.7%
• Door, 58.8%, up from 56.8%

Total positive tests:

• Kewaunee, 5,428, one in every 3.7 residents
• Door, 6,182, one in every 4.6 residents

Total negative tests:

• Kewaunee, 13,065
• Door, 20,575

Cumulative positivity rate since testing began:

• Kewaunee, 29.3% 
• Door, 21.1%

Two-week positive tests per 100,000 residents:

• Kewaunee, 3,394
• Door, 4,102

Deaths from COVID-19 complications:

• Kewaunee, 45, none in past two weeks
• Door, 44, two in past two weeks

Hospitalizations from the virus over past two weeks:

• Kewaunee, 3
• Door, 16

Total vaccines given:

• Kewaunee (including other providers besides health department), 10,600 (52%) received at least one dose, 10,169 (49.9%) completed their series
• Door (including other providers besides health department), 21,729 (77.9%) received at least one dose, third-highest percentage in state (Dane 81.8%, Menominee 79.5%), 20,384 (73.1%) completed their series, third-most in state (Dane 76.9%, Menominee 75%)
• Wisconsin, 3,681,938 (63.1%) at least one dose, 3,445,630 (59.1%) completed their series

Vaccine doses given in past two weeks:

• Kewaunee, 212 first doses, 184 completed their cycles
• Door, 403 first doses, 351 completed their cycles

Contact Christopher Clough at 920-741-7952, 920-562-8900 or cclough@doorcountyadvocate.com.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: COVID-19 update: Positive cases still high in Door, Kewaunee counties but appear to have slowed in past week