For the Gazette
PORTAGE COUNTY – Portage County Health and Human Services Division of Public Health (PCHHS-DPH) is reporting 77 confirmed deaths and four probable deaths of Portage County residents associated with COVID-19. Over the past seven days, Portage County reported four confirmed deaths. For a breakdown of COVID-19 fatality data in Portage County, including fatalities by age group and gender, visit the Portage County COVID-19 Dashboard.

On July 26, Portage County’s seven day average for confirmed positive cases was 3 and one month later, the current seven day average is 16. Hospitalizations have also been on the rise, with the North Central region reporting 87.2% of hospital beds and 92.3% of ICU beds in use. The trajectory of COVID-19 patient hospitalization is growing for both the North Central region and the state.

According to data from Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), during July 2021 rates of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths per 100,000 were significantly lower for those that were fully vaccinated versus those not fully vaccinated. In people not fully vaccinated, 369.2 cases, 18.2 hospitalizations and 1.1 deaths were reported per 100,000 not fully vaccinated people. In comparison, only 125.4 cases, 4.9 hospitalizations and 0.1 deaths were reported per 100,000 fully vaccinated people. Vaccination remains our strongest tool in the fight against COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine is free to everyone. Search vaccines.gov or call 1-800-232-0233 to find a vaccine near you.