07/09/2020- It’s summertime and most years that would mean the season of backyard barbeques, block parties, and other celebrations, but health officials are urging people to think twice before attending one of these events, especially as the number of positive cases of COVID-19 rises across Wisconsin and right here at home. Marinette County Public Health Officer Molly Bonjean provided a coronavirus update to the County’s Health and Human Services Board this week and says it’s critical that residents continue to practice social distancing, wear face coverings, and avoid large gatherings whenever possible, especially if they’re experiencing any of the symptoms of the virus.

Bonjean says there is significant progress being made on the COVID-19 vaccine front, though public availability is likely still months off. She says when it does hit the market, it’ll be an all-hands-on-deck effort to get as many people vaccinated as quickly as possible.

Marinette County now has at least 75 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19. The Public Health Department has received federal funding to develop a new equitable testing plan, which Bonjean says aims to open up more testing access to residents, including those who may not have health insurance or a primary care provider.