Welcome to my December E-newsletter. In it you will find the latest information on COVID-19, as well as state and local resources.
I’d like to wish everyone a happy holiday! As always, it is an honor to serve as your representative from the 54th Assembly District.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, you can reach out to my Madison office at 608-266-2254, my home at 920-232-0805, or my email at Rep.Hintz@legis.wisconsin.gov.
Sincerely,
COVID-19 Cases in Winnebago County
With cases on the rise across the state, the Winnebago County Health Department (WCHD) highly recommends staying home as much as possible and limiting travel throughout our community. While a vaccine is now in sight, it is still important to stay home as much as possible and limit travel throughout our community.
Due to the high amount of community spread, it would be better to assume that “every public place you are in has a high risk of exposure to you”. If you need to leave your home, wearing a mask or face covering and maintaining social distancing is highly recommended. For more information from WCHD, please click HERE.
Winnebago County health officials are seeing a decrease in cases across the past 2 weeks in part due to the lack of community testing available over the holiday weekend. Overall testing numbers are also decreasing. Our burden still remains very high. Please continue to look at the weekly trends to best assess current case activity.
Given the crisis levels at the local and state level, the next few weeks are crucial in terms of our health care systems being able to effectively treat people, and our ability to contain and manage the virus below crisis levels. We all have a part to play in the weeks and months ahead.
The recent exciting news that a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine has been approved. These vaccines will be an essential tool in stopping the spread of the virus, reopening our schools and our economy. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is working with local, state, and federal partners so that Wisconsin is prepared to get people vaccinated when the vaccine is available.
What You Need to Know
When vaccine supply is limited, it is likely that front line health care workers will be the first group to receive the vaccine. As supply increases, other essential workers, people ages 65 and older, and people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 will also likely be in the first groups to receive a vaccine. Later, as more supply becomes available, groups of people at higher risk for contracting COVID-19 and the general public will be recommended to get vaccines.
Because there will likely be a limited supply of vaccine at first, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), CDC, and the Wisconsin State Disaster Medical Advisory Committee (SDMAC) have been planning how to distribute these limited vaccines in a fair and transparent way.
For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine in Wisconsin, please go to the DHS COVID-19 page HERE.
Capital City Sunday
On December 6th, I was featured on Capital City Sunday to discuss the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can watch the footage HERE.
Shop Local this Holiday Season
Restaurants, bars, and local small businesses have been hit especially hard by the pandemic. As we approach the winter months, there are many ways to support local businesses during the holiday season.
Spend $100 at Oshkosh shops, destinations or restaurants from Saturday, 11/28, to Thursday, 12/24, to earn a free beanie or pom hat, while supplies last.
Whether you’re on a holiday shopping mission from Santa, need to grab some holiday treats or want to sink your teeth into delicious takeout, get a gift that keeps on giving this holiday season. For more information, please go to https://www.staysafelovelocal.com/
State Small Business Support
In the spring, I voted to authorize the We're All In Program in my position as a WEDC board member to help provide resources to small businesses as they the navigate the challenging COVID-19 economy. This week, WEDC launched a new We're All In website that includes resources and ideas for businesses to develop the right practices to keep people safe and their future secure.
For small businesses looking for resources to help protect your employees, encourage your customers to adopt safe behaviors, and ultimately keep your business moving in a positive direction, visit the We're All In website HERE.
Increased Community Need
COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on many people in our community through job loss, and food and housing insecurity. As the world continues to struggle with the spread of the virus and the resulting impact, there will be increased need for services in our community. Below are a few community resources for referral, and to consider supporting to help those in need.
Oshkosh Area Community Pantry
2551 Jackson St, Oshkosh, WI 54901
Phone: 920-651-9960
Hours:
Monday: 2pm - 6pm
Tuesday: 10am - 2:45pm
Wednesday: 10am - 2:45pm
Thursday: 10am - 2:45pm
Day by Day Warming Shelter
449 High Avenue, Oshkosh, WI 54901
Phone: 920-203-4865
https://www.warmingshelter.com/
The Day by Day Warming Shelter collaboratively provides temporary shelter, individualized services, and opportunities for self-sufficiency to empower the most vulnerable adults in our community.
United Way 2-1-1
Are you struggling and need help? Call United Way 2-1-1. Dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-924-5514
You are not alone! Each and every day, hundreds of people turn to the experts at United Way 2-1-1 for information and support with health and human service questions – whether financial, family, health, or disaster-related. United Way 2-1-1 gives callers an opportunity to get help or give help and also serves as a hub for community information in times of disaster.
The 2-1-1 Resource and Referral Hotline is available 7-days a week, 24-hours a day and is completely free and confidential. Dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-924-5514.
Constituent Services
It's hard to believe that the year is coming to an end. As we move into the next Legislative session, my staff and I are always ready and willing to help you. I encourage you to reach out to my office with any questions or concerns at: 608-266-2254 or rep.hintz@legis.wisconsin.gov
