Public Health Madison & Dane County

CDC recommends everyone age 6 months and older get a fall 2023 COVID vaccine.

We pulled together a cheat sheet with links to resources so you know where to go if you need to stock up on rapid tests, what to do if you’re sick or exposed, and where to find answers to some common COVID questions.

Here's what we know and don't know about fall 2023 COVID vaccines

Read to learn about dashboard changes and our respiratory data plans for the future.

The latest highlights from this COVID data snapshot, and other notes about data from this period.

The latest highlights from the monthly COVID data snapshot, and other notes about data from this period.

While our test site is closing, COVID is not gone and neither are your other testing options.

The latest highlights from this COVID data snapshot, and other notes about data from this period.

If you follow us on social media or go to our website, you’re probably familiar with the work we do to track COVID cases.

The latest highlights from this COVID data snapshot, and other notes about data from this period.

The latest highlights from this COVID data snapshot, and other notes about data from this period.

If you recently tested positive for COVID-19, you might be wondering how long you’re able to get others sick.

The short answer is 'no', but there are some things to consider.

The latest highlights from this COVID data snapshot, and other notes about data from this period.

Prepare now to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe from COVID, flu, RSV, and other bugs floating around this holiday season.

The latest highlights from this COVID data snapshot, and other notes about data from this period.

Talk to your friends and family about the new covid booster!

The latest highlights from this COVID data snapshot, and other notes about data from this period.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is launching a new and improved CovidConnect system. The goal is to help you save time when you’re getting a COVID test through our clinic. So, what is CovidConnect and how does this update affect me? Keep reading to find out.

The short answer is yes, though it’s not common.

The new boosters protect against the original coronavirus strain and the newer Omicron variants.

The latest highlights from this COVID data snapshot, and other notes about data from this period.

Nope!

The latest highlights from this COVID data snapshot, and other notes about data from this period.

The Novavax vaccine is now available at our clinics for everyone 12+.

From vaccination to mental health, we walk through ways to prepare for back to school.

There is new national guidance about COVID-19 isolation and exposure and new recommendations about at-home COVID testing.

The latest highlights from this COVID data snapshot, and other notes about data from this period.

Dane County has tipped from the “medium” category back into the “high” COVID activity category according to the CDC's Community Levels. So, why are we seeing this ping pong between levels? Let’s take a closer look.

The latest highlights from this COVID data snapshot, and other notes about data from this period.

We share the latest biweekly Data Snapshot.

Learn more about the latest COVID-19 data through our data snapshot.

The latest highlights from this data snapshot, and other notes about data from this period.

On May 19, the CDC updated its guidance to expand its recommendation for boosters to everyone 5+. Read on for a breakdown of who’s currently eligible.

The latest highlights from this biweekly data snapshot and other notes about data from this period.

The latest highlights from this biweekly data snapshot and other notes about data from this period.

Whether you tested at a clinic, hospital, school, pharmacy, or used a home test, please take a few minutes to report in to Public Health.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

On Thursday, April 21, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) updated its Community Levels.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

The CDC updated its guidance to recommend additional boosters for some people.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

A look at current data trends and ways we are monitoring the data for future surges.

Today, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) kicked off its statewide “Thank you” tour in Madison at the Alliant Energy Center.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

We compiled our best tips for people who are looking for guidance after the mask order ends.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

We asked vaccinated kids to tell us a little bit about their experience getting COVID-19 vaccines.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

You may have seen news pieces recently that talk about COVID becoming “endemic.” What does that mean and what will it look like in the future?

One of our staffers shares her story why she wanted her kids to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

The demand for COVID-19 testing skyrocketed over the past couple of months. Efforts to meet that demand kicked into overdrive at the local, state, and federal level—to ensure all Americans have access to a test if they need one.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

One of our staffers shares her story why she chose to get vaccinated while pregnant.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

 If you’re still wearing a cloth mask in 2022, now’s the time to upgrade! There are many comfortable options for masks that will also provide you greater protection from the Omicron variant. Here are some simple steps you can take to ensure that your mask is giving you the best protection.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

Wondering what you should do if you're exposed to COVID-19? We're taking a closer look at the latest recommendations.

If you’re wondering whether or not you’re up to date on your vaccination, we’ve got answers for you!

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

Even if you made it through the entire pandemic not getting sick, it is very possible you will test positive for COVID-19 during this surge. Here's how to take care of yourself and others.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

Kids ages 5-11 became eligible for vaccination on November 3rd. That means that there are nearly 45,000 kids in Dane County (8% of the total population) who can now get vaccinated!

The latest information and answers about the newest COVID variant.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

Last Thursday, we hosted a vaccine town hall for people to get their vaccine questions answered. We pulled together the top 5 questions we received during the town hall (and answers!).

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

The current booster guidance is complicated, which can make it confusing when you’re trying to figure out if you’re eligible, but there’s a good chance you might qualify for a booster shot.

A look at the latest data and evidence on how to keep children healthy and learning in school.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

On 10/22/2021, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced its support of the CDC and FDA recommendations to expand eligibility for COVID-19 booster shots. Public Health Madison & Dane County is now able to provide booster doses to certain people who received Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. Here’s a look at who is now eligible.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

COVID-19 testing is readily available in Dane County.  Here is how it works. 

A roundup of the week's COVID news in Dane County and nationally.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

On 9/27/2021, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) updated its guidance on boosters, following the FDA authorization and CDC recommendation that some Wisconsin residents who received the Pfizer vaccine should get a booster shot six months after getting their second dose.

One of our most popular blog posts from the past year is “Understanding Close Contact.” A lot has changed since we posted it back in November 2020—mainly that we have widely available vaccines!

Last night, the CDC authorized booster doses for certain populations. We are still working through this information. We do not have booster doses available at any of our locations at this time. We will provide further updates once we are able to give out booster doses.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

As children return to in-person learning, with the highly infectious Delta variant now the predominant strain of COVID-19 in Dane County, we have seen changes in the level of infection among children, especially younger children (under 12) who are net yet eligible to be vaccinated compared to last school year.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

On September 9, 2021, we issued Face Covering Emergency Order #2.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

There has been much vaccine-related news about third doses, boosters, the Pfizer approval and more. We thought it’d be helpful to give a quick overview of where things stand.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

With the Delta variant being the most common strain of virus in our community, we’re getting lots of questions about how this has impacted breakthrough infections. Let’s take a look at the data.

Parents, you asked, and we answered. As you get ready to send your kids back into the classroom for a new school year, we understand there are many questions about where thing stand with COVID-19 and how we can make sure in-person learning is as safe as possible.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

On Monday, August 23, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine became the first fully approved COVID-19 vaccine in the United States. The vaccine will now be marketed as “Comirnaty” and is now fully approved for everyone 16 years old and older.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

Effective August 19, 2021, 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.

On Friday, August 13, the CDC’s immunization advisory committee voted to change guidelines for severely immunocompromised people to receive an additional dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

As a trusted person in someone’s life, you are the most valuable resource in encouraging them to get vaccinated.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

Read the latest announcements concerning masks, school guidance, and the Madison and Dane County employee vaccination policy.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

All three vaccines are effective against the Delta variant, but if you're unvaccinated, you are at risk for catching COVID-19.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

Alliant Energy Center is now closed for vaccinations, but there are lots of options for getting vaccinated in Dane County.

While 2020 was a rollercoaster, we have seen cases, hospitalizations, and deaths steadily drop in 2021.

While Alliant has closed, there are still tons of options for getting a quick COVID-19 test in Dane County.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

The ruling is in response to a lawsuit filed regarding the section of the Public Health Madison and Dane County Emergency Order released in August 2020 that closed grades 3-12 in public and private schools  in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19.

We’re sending folks out into Dane County communities to vaccinate people in locations that work for them.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

Ahead of the Memorial Day weekend, we wanted to share a few reminders with you to help make your holiday safer.

Let's talk about ways you can discuss any fears your loved ones might be having about the COVID-19 vaccines.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

On June 2, 2021, all public health orders in Dane County will be lifted. As a parent, you might be wondering how this affects your unvaccinated children.

Director Janel Heinrich announces decision to end all county-wide health orders, starting on June 2

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

While the vaccination authorization for 12-15 year olds hasn’t happened yet, there are a few things to know ahead of any possible announcement.

We have tips to help you celebrate safer this weekend, whether you’re headed to a graduation party, Mother’s Day brunch, or just grilling with friends!

Let’s take a look at what being fully vaccinated means and when you can go without a mask.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

Public Health Madison & Dane County has released Emergency Order #16. This blog provides an overview of the order.

COVID-19 variants of concern, such as B.1.1.7, have been mentioned more and more in the news lately, especially in relation to children. How concerned should we be?

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

We look at multiple measures to get a more complete picture of herd immunity and vaccine equity, access, and uptake.

Practices were in place to prevent disease spread, but with help from the center, our team determined two major factors that contributed to the spread in this outbreak.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

Follow the process from signing-up to getting a vaccination at the Alliant Energy Center.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

Public Health Madison & Dane County has released Emergency Order #15, which includes changes for many sectors.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

Our case counts, percent positivity, racial and ethnic disparities, hospitalizations, and vaccination rates continue to improve.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

On March 18, we issued an amendment to Emergency Order #14, which goes into effect March 18, 2021.

As you and your family evaluate your comfort with different types of activities, we want to clear up what Emergency Order #14 allows for gatherings.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

A common question we’ve received since releasing our new version of Forward Dane and Emergency Order #14 is why orders are loosening at this point in the pandemic.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

All three vaccines are extremely effective at preventing severe disease, hospitalization, and death.

A new public health order—Emergency Order #14—goes into effect at 12:01am on March 10, 2021.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

Even as cases decline, this doesn’t mean there is zero risk of COVID-19 exposure. This post covers how to think about risk for you and your family.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

A new public health order—Emergency Order #13—goes into effect at 12:01am on February 10, 2021. There are quite a few changes with this Order. Below is a high-level overview of the changes.

With new, more infectious variants of the virus emerging worldwide, it’s critical that your mask is of good quality and offers the most protection to you and others.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

On May 11, 2020, in partnership with the state, we opened our COVID test site at Alliant Energy Center. Here's a look at what it takes to run it.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

A new public health order—Emergency Order #12—goes into effect at 12:01am on January 13. This order is very similar to Order #11.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

Good prevention practices in the classroom, sales floor, and other public-facing workspaces can be undone if employees are still gathering in break areas.

As 2020 comes to a close and we reflect upon the year, we want to thank

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

Information about vaccine safety is coming from a lot of angles. This blog post presents a summary of information.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

A COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for use, but there will not be enough doses right away to vaccinate everyone. Read to find out who gets it first and why.

En español

A new public health order—Emergency Order #11—goes into effect at 12:01am on December 16. This order is very similar to what was in Order #9. We’ve outlined the changes between Order #10a and Order #11 below:

Read what was involved in the process of authorizing the vaccine.

The CDC issued new recommendations for how long people without symptoms need to quarantine

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

When our contact tracers talk with people newly diagnosed with COVID-19, they provide isolation guidelines to follow, but they also ask what the person will need in order to make isolation successful.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

This holiday season is going to be quite different from any other, which means we all have to get creative.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

Through testing, we identify the people who have the virus so they can isolate and prevent spreading the disease to others. But there are things testing can't tell us.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

A new public health order went into effect on 11/18. Aside from gathering limits, little has changed in this order from the previous order. We’ve outlined the changes and included some common questions.

We are issuing a new Emergency Order #10, effective at 12:01am on Wednesday, November 18, which prohibits indoor gatherings of any size, and limits outdoor gatherings to 10 people. 

Every activity outside of your household carries some risk, which is why the safest thing to do is to not gather with people you don’t live with. We strongly urge you to spend the winter only with people you live with and to spend time virtually for people you don’t live with.

The safest thing you can do is only spend the holidays with people you live with. 

Let's talk about close contact—people who were close enough to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 for long enough that we think they could get sick.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

Let’s take a look at these words, how we use them, and common situations in which we talk about them.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

Due to the continued high numbers of Dane County residents with positive COVID-19 tests, our case investigators will no longer be calling employers to inform them of employees who have tested positive.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

Let's take a closer look at 'clusters', or outbreaks of cases, which we have been tracking throughout our local epidemic.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services will be improving the Wisconsin Electronic Disease Surveillance System (WEDSS), beginning the evening of Friday, October 16 and lasting through the evening of Sunday, October 18.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

The rest of our state is experiencing a remarkable increase in cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, and Dane County is not completely isolated from that increase as people work in and visit neighboring counties.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

Let’s take a deeper look into how percent positivity can be calculated and what it can tell us.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

We are closely monitoring data for evidence that those cases have led to spread of the virus outside of UW students, which we are calling “spillover.”

It’s been said that “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Our organization continually trains, practices, and collaborates with community partners to prepare for every conceivable crisis to ensure a response that will be swift, strategic, provide clear communication, and encompass our entire community.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

Public Health Madison & Dane County sent a letter to licensed establishments in Madison to inform them of the possibility of increased fines if they do not comply with public health orders.

We strongly urge all schools to continue voluntary phasing-in of classes for in-person instruction for grades 3-12 per Public Health Madison & Dane County recommendations.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

In the past week, Dane County has added 901 new cases of COVID-19, and at least 71% of people who have tested positive for the virus are UW students or staff.

Given the sheer size of some of these fraternity and sorority chapter houses, we felt that Public Health orders were important to ensure compliance and contain the spread of COVID-19.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

A core value of our agency is that Health is a Human Right. We ask all Dane County residents to consider the rights of everyone in Dane County to be healthy and free from COVID-19.

We've shifted our Data Snapshot publishing schedule so we can include data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

Take a look back at how we made decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic, from March to today, with a timeline of events.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

Public health contact tracing helps trace the spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately, there are people who could try to scam you by impersonating public health staff or a contact tracer.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

As of Friday, we are now including negative tests on the dashboard that have entered our data system but have not yet been processed by our staff.

As we learn more about this brand-new virus, we adjust our behaviors to be safe.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

Learn about enforcement of the face covering requirement that begins at 8:00am on Monday, July 13, 2020. (English & Español post)

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

It’s more important than ever that people take steps to reduce the risk of COVID-19 during any hangout or gathering they’re having this weekend.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

We wanted to share a behind-the-scenes look at our Data Team and the work they do.

The latest highlights from this week's data snapshot and other notes about data from this week.

Dane County has moved into a new phase, but that doesn’t mean the COVID-19 virus has changed, or that it has magically gone away.

Inequities in COVID-19 in Dane County have become more apparent as testing has become more available.

Public Health will not issue a new ‘Phase 2’ public health order without supporting metrics from two full weeks of data from Phase 1. This two-week period will end on June 9. We expect to have the data compiled and analyzed on June 12 to inform any decisions about future orders.

As we all are taking really important actions to protest injustice, we also want to encourage everyone to take precautions against COVID-19.

After many weeks of physical distancing, staying home as much as possible, and practicing strong prevention measures like washing hands often and covering our coughs and sneezes, we’re all feeling fatigued.

Some of the regular work our department does i

Today we issued a news release urging residents to follow the Safer at Home order. 

On March 23, 2020, Janel Heinrich participated in a press conference with the City of Madison Mayor and Dane County Executive. These are her remarks.