Public Health encourages vaccination due to variant

A new variant of COVID-19 has prompted Sauk County Public Health to redouble its efforts to promote vaccination.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services recently released details about the Delta variant, which has been increased from a variant of interest to one of concern. These types of variants show evidence of being more contagious, causing more severe illnesses or being more difficult to treat.

Researchers believe the Delta variant spreads more rapidly and easily than the original COVID-19. It is not yet known if this variant has any impact on disease severity. Vaccines, however, do seem to offer some protection.

Since April, 26 cases of Delta have been found in Wisconsin.

Public Health officials have continued to push vaccination to fight not only the original strain but also variants.

To find a vaccination location, visit Vaccines.gov or call 211 or 877-947-2211. For more information, visit dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19.vaccine-get.