Data Notes for the Week of August 19

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If you’re new to the Data Snapshot, we publish a weekly summary of the status for each of our metrics (you can find past issues on our data and dashboard page). The data below are from August 2—August 15.

Cases were stable during this 14-day period for the first time after four weeks of increasing cases.

There was an average of 91 cases per day. Delta remains the dominant strain of virus in Dane County. While cases have increased among children over the past month, we have not seen an increase in severe cases in children. The 14-day average daily COVID-19 inpatient hospitalizations increased to 45 this period from 34.5 last Snapshot. We are not able to discern whether these hospitalizations are among Dane County residents or among patients transferred to the Dane County hospitals from surrounding areas.

Percent positivity was 3.9% and an average of 2,363 tests were conducted per day. Because percent positivity has been holding steady and has remained under 5%, this is a good indication that we’re testing at the level we need to in order to find cases. If you have symptoms or were exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, please get tested. There are more testing locations—open more days and longer hours—than ever before. Find testing options on our website.

The Face Covering Emergency Order went into effect today (August 19), which states face coverings are required among people ages two and older when in any enclosed space open to the public where other people, except for members of the person’s own household or living unit, are present. This Order is in effect until September 16, 2021. Because the Delta variant can spread so easily, masks are an easy and effective way to help stop the spread of the virus.

Our rate of vaccination has continued to increase!

We had an average of 568 doses administered per day, which is up 18% from our low of 480 doses per day four weeks ago. 71.5% of all Dane County residents have received at least one dose of vaccine and 68.4% have completed the vaccine series. 82.6% of the eligible population (ages 12+) have received at least one dose of vaccine and 79.0% have completed the vaccine series. Find your dose on our website.

Cases remain very low in congregate living facilities.

There were no cases linked to clusters in long-term care facilities and no cases linked to correctional facilities.