Pierce County Public Health (PCPH) released an updated advisory allowing for less restrictive limits on the size of indoor public gatherings. The new advisory limits public gatherings to no more than 50% of a space’s maximum capacity or no more than one person per 56 square feet in a space without defined occupancy limits. This advisory is in place until February 28th 2021, upon which time it will be reviewed by the Health Officer to determine if it can be continued, modified or discontinued. The advisory may be found here.

Pierce County has experienced a promising downward trend in cases since a peak in mid-November, but the county is still classified by the WI Department of Health Services as having a “very high” level of disease activity. AZ Snyder, Health Officer/Public Health Director

states, “We are pleased that the county is doing better than we were in November and December in terms of newly identified cases, but we still have a significant level of disease in our community. We must continue working together to prevent the spread of this virus while vaccine is being distributed.”

Two brands of vaccines are currently available under emergency use authorization, but supply is limited. There is currently not enough vaccine to vaccinate eligible populations immediately. It will take many weeks before all residents age 65 and older in the county are able to receive the vaccine.

It is important that Pierce County residents remain vigilant and continue to adhere to prevention measures while Pierce County Public Health and local healthcare organizations work diligently to vaccinate priority populations. “We have continued to see COVID-19 related deaths and outbreaks in long-term care facilities this month. It is important we all continue distancing and masking so vulnerable community members don't get sick or die waiting for a vaccine,” said Snyder.

Information and data related to COVID-19 in Pierce County can be located by visiting: https://covid-piercecounty-wi.hub.arcgis.com/