Reopen Rock

18/05/2021

Coronavirus cases in the US are at their lowest rate since September and deaths are at their lowest point since April 2020. The latest COVID news.

17/05/2021

Ages 12 and older are now eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19, the FDA and the CDC say. But when and where, and what about younger kids? You have questions. We have answers.

13/05/2021

Changes have been made to the Rock County Reopening Phase Plan.

- Revised Face Covering section
- Updates to Phase 3 to establish general gathering recommendations and incorporate a 75% capacity limit recommendation for applicable public spaces and gathering locations

Rock County is currently is Phase 2 and will continue to assess the opportunity to move to the next phase.

The full reopening plan can be found on Rock County Public Health's website.
https://www.co.rock.wi.us/publichealth-familycommunity/publichealth-communicabledisease/coronavirus-disease-2019/232-departments-category/health-department/coronavirus/2430-coronavirus-reopen

10/05/2021

Another super handy resource has been created to make getting a COVID-19 vaccine even easier. Wisconsin has joined VaccineFinder to help connect you with your local vaccination sites as well as help you see which clinics are offering which vaccine manufacturer and if they are in stock.

Check it out at www.VaccineFinder.org.

05/05/2021

So, how long does immunity from the COVID-19 vaccine actually last?

With over 40% of Wisconsin residents having already received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, many are curious how long their immunity will last. Although both Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccines offer incredible immunity with effectiveness in clinical trials of 94% and 95%, respectively, and ~91% for up to six months. The question of exactly how long the vaccine's immunity lasts is still being studied by experts.

As of now, Pfizer's ongoing trials indicate that their vaccine remains highly effective for at least six months, and likely longer. Additionally, Moderna's vaccine has also shown notable levels of virus-fighting antibodies six months after the second dose was given.

With research continuing, the vaccine's length of immunity remains unclear and could last anywhere from 10 months to several years. Regardless, some experts are predicting that (similar to other vaccines such as the flu shot) the COVID-19 vaccines could become a reoccurring shot.

Stay tuned to our page to continue to be updated on all things COVID-19 and Rock County.

03/05/2021

With talk and articles swirling about blood clots and the COVID-19 vaccine, its natural to wonder what is real and what is not. You have questions! So here are some answers.

"
🔸 Experts continue to say blood clots caused by COVID-19 vaccines are a rare occurrence.
🔸 So far, the clots have appeared in about 5 people for every 1 million vaccinated. The rate among people diagnosed with COVID-19 is 39 per million.
🔸 A government panel is scheduled to announce on April 23 a decision on whether to lift the pause on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
"

Follow the link below to read Healthline's full article.
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-covid-19-vaccines-and-blood-clots

01/05/2021

For more updates on more COVID-19 related topics, check out our news section at www.reopenrock.com/news.

A new mask order issued in Rock County eliminates the mandate for wearing masks outdoors and says it is OK for fully vaccinated people not to wear masks indoors while

30/04/2021

"The Walgreens clinics will take place from 10 a.m.—4 p.m. on May 2 at Beloit Head Start, 1221 Henry Ave., with a second clinic for follow-up doses on May 30.

The second clinic will take place from 10 a.m.—4 p.m. on May 8 at the Rock County Jobs Center, 1900 Center Avenue, in Janesville. The second dose clinic will follow on June 5.

The Blackhawk Technical College vaccination site operates from Tuesday through Saturday at the main campus in the Town of Rock."

Blackhawk Technical College is now accepting walk-ins but pre-registration is still encouraged.

COVID-19 vaccination clinics in the Rock County area are now beginning to offer walk-up vaccinations as county public health officials say demand for the vaccine is starting to slow as

29/04/2021

So, how are COVID-19 vaccines free for everyone? Who is paying for the vaccines?

** The following information was taken directly from the CDC's website **

" The federal government is providing the vaccine free of charge to all people living in the United States, regardless of their immigration or health insurance status.

COVID-19 vaccination providers cannot:

- Charge you for the vaccine
- Charge you directly for any administration fees, copays, or coinsurance
- Deny vaccination to anyone who does not have health insurance coverage, is underinsured, or is out of network
- Charge an office visit or other fee to the recipient if the only service provided is a COVID-19 vaccination
Require additional services in order for a person to receive a COVID-19 vaccine; however, additional healthcare services can be provided at the same time and billed as appropriate

COVID-19 vaccination providers can:

- Seek appropriate reimbursement from the recipient’s plan or program (e.g., private health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid) for a vaccine administration fee (However, providers cannot charge the vaccine recipient the balance of the bill)
- Seek reimbursement for uninsured vaccine recipients from the Health Resources and Services Administration’s COVID-19 Uninsured Program "

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html?s_cid=10473:free%20vaccine%20covid:sem.ga:p:RG:GM:gen:PTN:FY21 **

27/04/2021

For more COVID-19 related articles, check out our news resource at www.reopenrock.com/news.

Rock County public health officials say they have found the first local cases of two coronavirus variants.

26/04/2021

SAVE and protect your COVID-19 vaccination card, but DO NOT LAMINATE it!

When you receive a COIVD-19 vaccine shot, you will be given a vaccination card that includes your name, birthdate, vaccine manufacturer and lot number, the time and place of your vaccination, and whether you require a booster shot. It is important to keep and protect this card so that you can document your vaccine information as well as have that card in case you require a booster shot sometime in the future. Additionally, some destinations and cruise lines have started requiring that travelers be fully vaccinated before entering. On the fun side, several businesses are offering special deals to those who are vaccinated so having that information handy could save you some money!

Why shouldn't you laminate your card?
If you laminate your card, health providers will be unable to update your information if you do end up needing/receiving a booster shot. Instead, photograph or scan your card to create an additional copy then place the original card in a safe place, a plastic badge holder, a luggage ID/contact tag, a waterproof folder, or a DIY wallet made from clear packing tape (Pinterest for the win!).

To read more about this topic or see where we found some great information, check out Healthline's full article with the link below.
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/keep-your-covid-19-vaccine-card-safe-but-dont-laminate-it-heres-why

22/04/2021

PSA: The odds of dying after getting a COVID-19 vaccine are virtually NONEXISTENT.

Actually, you're three times more likely to get struck by lightning than to die from the COVID-19 vaccine (CDC).

Surprised? You shouldn't be. But with little to no regulation on misleading and inaccurate information, many people's social media feeds tell a terrifyingly different story.

A recent analysis done by NPR found that some of the most highly engaged with and viral online content this year include articles falsely linking COVID vaccines with deaths. Although these articles can be fact-checked and swiftly disproven, without knowing the dangers of false-claiming articles, this kind of viral engagement could lead to people misjudging the risk of getting the COVID vaccine.

Read more about NPR's recent analysis and the dangers of misleading information on social media giants with the link below.
https://www.npr.org/2021/03/25/980035707/lying-through-truth-misleading-facts-fuel-vaccine-misinformation

20/04/2021

Recently schedule a COVID-19 vaccination appointment in Rock County? Not sure what "Vaccine Location: DHS-CBVC-Rock" means? Let's break it down!

🔸 What does DHS-CBVC-Rock mean?
DHS: Wisconsin Department of Health Services
CBVC: Community Based Vaccination Clinic
Rock: Of Rock County

🔸 Where is DHS-CBVC-Rock located?
Blackhawk Technical College
6004 S County Rd G, Janesville, Wi, 53546

🔸 Why do I see multiple "DHS-CBVC"?
There are several Community-Based Vaccination Clinics throughout counties Wisconsin including: Douglas, La Crosse, Marathon, and Racine.

Have any other questions? Let us know in the comments or check out RockCountyShot.com!

16/04/2021

Anxious about returning to the office?

Here are some things to consider:
- Be kind to yourself: Pandemics are traumatic and you have to allow yourself to feel, grieve, and heal from the experience.
- Voice your concern to your employer: Talking with your company or boss about your anxiety may help pinpoint some areas that could be improved and help reduct your discomfort.
- Maintain a healthy daily routine: In the current reality of constant change, having a consistent schedule can provide immense comfort and add normalcy to your day.
- Learn positive coping tactics: Knowing how to calm yourself when you begin to feel anxious can be a powerful tool to get through your day. Consider breathing techniques, mantras, or soothing actives.
- Seek professional help: If your anxiety progresses and/or effects your life negatively, reach out to a professional.

For more on this topic and to dig deeper into the considerations, check out Priory Group's full article with the link below!
https://www.priorygroup.com/blog/managing-anxiety-about-returning-to-work-after-coronavirus-lockdown

13/04/2021

Feeling guilty about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine? Here is how to manage those feelings. (via Healthline)

🔸 Recognize. “I’m feeling guilty for getting the vaccine when there are so many others that need it.”
🔸 Allow. Let the guilt exist without immediately pushing it away, even if it feels uncomfortable.
🔸 Investigate. While your thoughts may feel obvious, some intentional investigation may reveal something deeper. Ask yourself things such as Why do I feel this way? and What is the emotion trying to tell me?
🔸 Nurture. Be kind to yourself. “I deserve to be safe and healthy too,” can be a positive affirmation for you.

To continue learning about COVID-19 related guilt, follow the link below to read Healthline's full article.
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/how-to-manage-covid-19-vaccine-guilt -to-manage-guilt

10/04/2021

📣 ATTENTION ROCK COUNTY 📣

Did you know there is a new, one-stop-shop, user-friendly website that answers all of your COVID-19 related questions, concerns, and thoughts?

Meet RockCountyShot.com!! A newly launched website that amazing Rock County organizations and health care providers collaborated to create in order to keep the community informed and safe. Check out United Way Blackhawk Region's website for their full statement on this awesome resource!

www.rockcountyshot.com

08/04/2021

Things to know: The COVID-19 vaccine does NOT cause infertility.

There is no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine causes infertility, yet some still fear that getting the vaccine could impact fertility... Why? Misinformation.

With access to incredible amounts of information and user-generated content, it has become extremely important to fact-check and source-check the data you are reading. Being able to spot vaccine science rather than vaccine science fiction has become more difficult and a huge factor in misleading information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.

The false and misleading claim that there is a link between the spike protein formed by the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and the blockage of a protein necessary for reproduction is impossible.

The protein that is essential for the placenta to remain attached to the uterus and act as the source of nutrition and blood supply to the fetus during pregnancy is called syncytin-1. The protein that is known as SARS-CoV-2 or spike protein is NOT the same as syncytin-1. Although the two proteins share some similar amino acids, they are NOT the same and therefore the antibodies produced from the vaccine will NOT, and could not, block syncytin-1.

Dr. Jill Foster, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at the University of Minnesota who has been studying vaccine hesitancy, says comparing these proteins would be like comparing two different phone numbers that both contain the number 7. Although two different people can have the number 7 in their phone number, there are many other numbers that make it unique. You could not dial one phone number to reach the other person.

To learn more, follow the link below to check out Web MD's article on this topic.
https://www.webmd.com/vaccines/covid-19-vaccine/news/20210112/why-covid-vaccines-are-falsely-linked-to-infertility

05/04/2021

Did you know your beard may increase your risk of getting COVID-19?

Having a heavier beard makes it more difficult to create a good seal between your mask and your face/jawline. Without a tight seal, dangerous virus-containing droplets can enter the space between your mask and your face and get you sick. The CDC has provided information on the certain styles of facial hair that are better than others when it comes to getting a proper fit for your mask. Follow the link below to check out the infographic on facial hair and COVID-19 safety!
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/pdfs/facialhairwmask11282017-508.pdf

31/03/2021

BREAKING: All Wisconsin residents 16+ will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine starting this coming Monday, April 4th 2021. To find a vaccination location near you and register for a vaccine, visit the DHS's website linked below.
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/vaccine-get.htm

Learn more about this topic, tune into Rock County Wisconsin Public Health Department Facebook Live briefing tomorrow (4/1) at 11am.

31/03/2021

Wisconsin passed 1 million residents that have been completely vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the Department of Health Services (DHS).

30/03/2021

As COVID-19 variants find their way to Rock County, here are tips on how to protect yourself from new strains!

🔸 Remember the basics (wear a mask, wash your hands, avoid those outside of your "bubble")
🔸 Sanitize often! This included your hands, clothes, phone, keys, etc.
🔸 Limit in-person/onsite shopping when possible
🔸 Reduce or limit the amount of people you see that live outside of your household
🔸 Up your mask game! Spend time finding a more protective mask such as a tight-fitting surgical mask, N95, or consider double up your masks
🔸 Opt outside whenever possible
🔸 If you are not working from home, see if remote work is an option or consider onsite precautions such as moving meeting outside or installing cubical shields
🔸 Register for/get the COVID-19 vaccine

Follow the link below for more explanation and tips on how to protect yourself from COVID-19 variants.
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/8-ways-to-stay-safe-from-the-new-coronavirus-strains #7.-Apply-hand-sanitizeroften

29/03/2021

For more COVID-19 related articles, check out our news resource at www.reopenrock.com/news.

The first case of a COVID-19 variant originally identified in the United Kingdom has been found in Rock County.

25/03/2021

Is this the light at the end of the tunnel we have been waiting for?! See how to safely get the most out of longer, sunnier days.

In this article:
☀️ Longer daylight can help with brighten moods.
☀️ Research shows that exposure to sunlight activates the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is connected to boosting your moods, calmness, and focus.
☀️ Exercising, eating, and socializing are all safely possible outdoors under the sun! (don't forget the SPF!)

Follow the link below to check out Healthline's article!
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/longer-days-brighter-mood-how-to-get-the-most-out-of-daylight-saving

25/03/2021

22/03/2021

HOW TO REGISTER FOR A COVID-19 VACCINE:

To schedule an appointment and request a vaccine, you must fill out a questionnaire (via the link below) to provide information regarding your readiness for COVID-19 vaccination, as well as receive guidance and instruction to ensure your safety. You will need to provide the details about your demographic, medical history, COVID-19 history, and contact information.

Follow the link below to learn more about the registration process, learn where you can receive a vaccine, and to fill out a registration form.
https://vaccinate.wi.gov/

19/03/2021

As stated by Governor Evers and the President of the United States: Everyone, age 16 and older, will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine as of May 1st, 2021. Although all adults will be eligible, receiving the shot will depend on the provided supply of the vaccine.

For more information on current and upcoming eligibility, follow the link below.
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/vaccine-about.htm

17/03/2021

Over 20% of residents in Rock County have received at least one shot of COVID-19 vaccine as 13% of county residents have completed the vaccination series as of Monday.

13/03/2021

HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE COVID-19 VACCINE?

You can now call 1-844-684-1064 (toll-free) to get connected with Wisconsin Department of Health Services' call center. Their call center is available to help you get connected with your local vaccine sites, register for appointments, answer any medical questions related to the COVID-19 vaccine, and more!

Give them a call at 1-844-684-1064 to get help now.
wi

11/03/2021

Wisconsin's Department of Health Services recently launched a new map to help you connect with a vaccinator in your area.

With locations all over Wisconsin, your nearest vaccinator could be as close as your local pharmacy! Current vaccinations are still by appointment only, so if you are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, be sure to check out this virtual map and get connected with the vaccination sites near you!

Follow the link below to check out the Vaccine Provider Map.
dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/vaccine-map.htm