MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- With Labor Day weekend approaching, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is encouraging Wisconsinites to celebrate safely and continue taking steps to protect themselves and others against COVID-19.

DHS says Wisconsin is seeing very high case activity.

If you plan on celebrating this #LaborDay, be sure to do so safely. The 7-day average of #COVID19 cases is the highest it's been in more than 6 months, and we ask you to protect yourself and your community, and help #StopTheSpread: https://t.co/0mMXvsp8kSpic.twitter.com/4jafVoJkfG

— WIDeptHealthServices (@DHSWI) September 1, 2021

According to a news release on Wednesday, Sept. 1, the 7-day average of new confirmed cases is now 1,699 and COVID-19 cases continue to rise. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19, wearing a mask, avoiding indoor gatherings, staying home if you feel sick, and following other public health best practices are important steps everyone can take to stay safe and help prevent further spread of COVID-19 in their communities.

“COVID-19 cases are rising in Wisconsin due to the more contagious Delta variant. People who are not yet fully vaccinated continue to make up the significant majority of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths,” said Dr. Ryan Westergaard, Chief Medical Officer and State Epidemiologist for Communicable Diseases. “It is critical that we take action now to prevent further spread of the virus. Let’s use all of our effective prevention tools: Get vaccinated, wear masks when gathering indoors, and stay home if you’re feeling sick, especially if planning get-togethers with others over the holiday weekend.”

DHS says medium and large gatherings contribute to the spread of COVID-19. If you plan to celebrate with people you do not live with, keep activities outdoors. DHS recommends that everyone, even fully vaccinated people, pack a mask wherever they go. Masks should be worn indoors everywhere in Wisconsin because our entire state has substantial to high COVID-19 transmission(link is external). Stay home if you’re feeling sick. If you become sick after attending a gathering, isolate from others and get tested for COVID-19, even if you are fully vaccinated. For guidance and tips on celebrating safely, visit the DHS COVID-19: Staying Safe in Your Community webpage.