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The Wisconsin Department of Corrections on Monday announced plans to reinstate in-person visits for prisoners following a pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In-person visits will resume July 6, with precautions taken, the agency said in a press release.
“With COVID-19 infection numbers down and vaccination rates up, those in our care and their loved ones can again enjoy each other’s company face-to-face,” DOC Secretary Kevin Carr said in a statement.
The agency as of Monday reported just 11 active infections among the more than 19,000 prisoners. Vaccinations and other precautions have kept that number low for several months after more than half of prisoners in DOC custody were infected with the virus. At least 32 people have died of COVID-19 while in DOC custody during the pandemic, agency data shows. About 65% of DOC’s eligible population is fully or partially vaccinated, agency data shows.
Reporter Emily Hamer has more for the Wisconsin State Journal.
Top Stories
Wisconsin prisons to resume in-person visitation July 6 — Wisconsin State Journal
Former Grafton pharmacist who spoiled vials of COVID-19 vaccine sentenced to 3 years in prison — TMJ4 News
States warn J&J doses could expire soon and the White House urges them to consult the FDA — The New York Times
Nearly 5% of Wisconsin’s 12- To 15-year-olds have completed their COVID-19 vaccine series — WPR
In the U.S., vaccines for the youngest are expected this fall — The New York Times
Development agencies will use pandemic relief funds to study region’s economic potential — Cap Times
Beloit to be ‘thoughtful and deliberate’ about COVID-19 aid — Beloit Daily News
Quotable
“Each of us have our own reasons for getting the vaccine, and we hope folks will participate by posting photos to share with friends and neighbors about why you chose to get the shot.”
Gov. Tony Evers, in a statement announcing the re-launch of the state’s “You Stop the Spread” campaign
Data to Note
Here’s a look at the Department of Health Services’ vaccine dashboard, which showed Monday that 48.6% of Wisconsinites have received at least one vaccine dose, including 83.6% of those ages 65 and older. Meanwhile, 43.2% of Wisconsinites are fully vaccinated, including 79.7% of those older than 65. Racial disparities persist in distributing vaccines. The shares of Black, Hispanic and Native American residents to receive a dose remain below that of white residents.
On Tuesday, the state DHS reported a seven-day average of 135 new daily infections, continuing a long-term downward trend in new cases. The state also reported 17 new COVID-19 deaths, bringing the full toll to 7,178.
This Wisconsin Hospital Association reported that 170 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized statewide as of Monday.
Find a vaccine site near you
DHS and the federal government have partnered with Vaccine Finder to help Wisconsinites find vaccinations. Vaccinations are often by appointment, but providers are increasingly offering walk-in options. In addition, people seeking COVID-19 shots can text their ZIP code to 438829 to find nearby vaccine providers.
COVID-19 fact-checking
Not sure if something you heard about COVID-19 is true? FactCheck.org offers this page full of explainers — and debunking of common distortions — about the disease to help you sort out fact from fiction.
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