County reports 1 new COVID death

The Monroe County Health Department (MCHD) reported one new death in the county due to COVID-19 over the past week.

That death came among 289 new confirmed cases of the virus this week along with one new hospitalization. 

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), Monroe County has had a total of 7,861 confirmed and probable positive cases, La Crosse County has had 20,252 and the State of Wisconsin has had a total of 1,012,189 confirmed cases of COVID as of Wednesday.  

As of Dec. 7, Wisconsin has had 9,237 confirmed COVID-related deaths and more than 1,000 probable deaths. La Crosse County has had a total of 128 confirmed COVID-related deaths and two probable while Monroe County has had a total of 56 confirmed COVID-related deaths and three probable.  

New cases are up from last week and the transmission level in Monroe County was moved to critically high. The MCHD continues to recommend that all individuals age 2 and over in areas of high transmission, regardless of vaccination status, continue to wear a mask when in indoor public spaces, at indoor gatherings and crowded outdoor gatherings.

Health officials are also advising that individuals maintain a six-foot distance from others, wash hands frequently, stay home if feeling sick, get tested if experiencing any COVID symptoms and get vaccinated if able. 

In Monroe County, 45.6% of individuals eligible to receive the vaccine have completed their vaccine series. The statewide rate is 56.2%.

In La Crosse County, 61.8% of eligible individuals have completed their vaccine series.

A Moderna COVID-19 Booster Clinic will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at Organic Valley, located at 509 Organic Drive in Cashton.

Booster doses are available to those age 18 and over who have completed the original series of either Moderna or Pfizer at least six months prior or the Johnson & Johnson vaccine two months prior.

All COVID-19 shots are provided for free and no insurance is required. Those who would like their first or second dose of Moderna are also welcome to attend.

Pre-registration is preferred. To book an appointment, visit vaccinate.wi.gov or call the MCHD at (608) 269-8666 during regular business hours, which are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.