Manitowoc County Health Officials are preparing for the eventual distribution of a COVID 19 vaccine.
Emergency Services Director Travis Waack says, “We’ve been having meetings and ordering supplies like latex gloves and things you need to administer a vaccine. When a safe, effective vaccine does become available, we are ready to give it to those that want to get it because we feel it will be a good way to put an end to the COVID virus.”
Statistics released this week indicate that cases in rural areas are spiked significantly with the Villages of Reedsville and Cleveland seeing their highest confirmed totals since the beginning of the pandemic in March.
Waack adds, “The virus is very prevalent out there right now, probably more so than at any point to date. So it’s important that we continue to do all the things we’ve been talking about: face coverings are important, keeping a physical distance from people is important, we just really want to make sure we keep it contained so that when the vaccine becomes available, the people that want to get it can get it.”
Initial reports indicate that a vaccine could be ready as early as next month with roughly 65% of Americans saying they would receive the vaccine once it’s available.
Waack admits the nearly seven-month long pandemic has taken its toll on everyone one way or another but emphasizes “we all must stay strong and practice safety protocols to endure and overcome this virus.”