By Sarah Nigbor

According to Pierce County Public Health Officer AZ Snyder, last week’s positive COVID cases were at an all-time weekly high in Pierce County.

“We had 565 cases reported to us last week,” Snyder said. “Our previous high was 449 in November 2020.”

Pierce County Public Health is not able to contact most people reported to them as having COVID-19.

“We are focusing on contacting people at highest risk for severe COVID-19,” Snyder said. “We are asking residents who test positive to read the quarantine and isolation section of our website for guidance to figure out when it's safe for them to go back to work or school. https://covidp iercecountywi.hub.arcgis.com/ Snyder said hospital capacity in the region is still limited but is showing signs of improvement.

“However, because hospitalizations tend to lag a few weeks behind spikes of cases, it's too soon to say if hospital capacity will continue to improve,” she cautioned. “We are seeing a fair number of breakthrough infections among vaccinated individuals due to the omicron variant. However, their symptoms tend to be milder and they are significantly less likely to be hospitalized.”

PCPH hasn’t been able to keep tabs on school case numbers as much as Snyder would like, because of the huge surge in cases. Snyder said she realizes schools are facing increased staffing challenges due to illness.

“This would be a prudent time to institute mask requirements in schools if their boards haven’t done so already,” Snyder said. “It may be the difference between staying in-person to learn and having to switch to virtual learning, which is the last thing any of us want.”

PCPH and Freeman Drug in River Falls have many vaccination appointments available. Visit covid-piercecounty-wi.hub.arcgis. com to schedule.

“Boosters are essential for protecting people against Omicron,” Snyder said. “We urge everyone to get their boosters as soon as they are eligible.”