Richland Center, WI:  Richland County Public Health Manager/Local Health Officer, Rose Kohout announced that “Richland County is progressing with the Wisconsin COVID-19 Response Plan; however, vaccine supply continues to be an issue.  At this time, we have been unable to release appointments for our vaccination clinic next Wednesday (2/10) due to a shortage of vaccine.  The recommendation from the state is to proceed with 2nd dose appointments before offering additional 1st dose appointments.  Once a predictable vaccine supply is achieved, partners are prepared to offer 1,200-1,400 vaccine appointments every week in Richland County.  Until then, your patience and understanding is much appreciated.”

A collaborative partnership has been established between the Richland Hospital, Center Pharmacy, Richland County Health & Human Services, and Richland County Emergency Management to develop a local plan to effectively and efficiently distribute COVID-19 vaccinations as they become available.  This group continues to meet weekly to clarify the details and progression of the local plan as instructed by the Wisconsin COVID-19 Response Plan.

Populations who are now currently eligible to receive the vaccine include those age 65 and older, frontline health care workers, police, sheriff (including correctional officers), fire personnel, and funeral workers.  Currently eligible populations should go to the Richland Hospital website at www.richlandhospital.com/covid19 to register for any of the local clinics or to request to be put on the waiting list.  At this time, there are no available appointments thru late February.  When additional COVID-19 vaccines are received in Richland County, additional vaccination clinics will be offered and appointment availability will be announced.

Next eligible populations to receive the vaccine starting around March 1st include education and child care, individuals enrolled in Medicaid long-term care programs, some public-facing essential workers, non-frontline essential healthcare personnel, and staff and residents in congregate living facilities.  Please note that recommendations for which groups of people receive the vaccine first come from federal and state governments.

Richland County residents are encouraged to sign-up for NIXLE alerts by texting 53581 to 888777 or go to www.nixle.com to sign-up to receive emails.  You will then receive up-to-date alerts regarding local COVID vaccination clinic appointment availability, testing site information, severe weather, public safety, criminal activities, missing persons, traffic issues, and local events.

Up to date information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and the progression of eligible populations can be found on the following sites, as well as by listening to WRCO:

Richland County Health & Human Services

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/rchhs

Website https://covid.co.richland.wi.us/vaccine-information/.

The Richland Hospital

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RichlandHospital

Website www.richlandhospital.com

The State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is also offering a weekly newsletter on Fridays to keep the public informed of COVID-19 response and vaccine progress.  State residents can sign up for weekly emails containing updates, news and resources.  Registration is now open, and archived copies of the weekly newsletter will also be available.

Until the COVID-19 vaccine becomes widely available, citizens are encouraged to follow the strategies listed below to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19:

  1. Physically distance at least 6 feet from people with whom you do not live.
  2. Wear a cloth face mask, unless unable to wear one for medical reasons.
  3. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  4. Indoors:  do not gather with people outside of your household.
  5. Outdoors:  limit gatherings to 10 people or fewer, physically distance and wear face coverings.
  6. If symptomatic, call your health care provider, get a test, and stay home while awaiting results.
  7. Cooperate with public health officials if you have tested positive or are a close contact.

-End-

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