Pierce County Public Health Extends Mass Gathering Limitations,  Asks the Community to Remain Vigilant and Continue Prevention Measures While Priority  Populations are Vaccinated

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://covidpiercecounty-wi.hub.arcgis.com/