Racine city leaders stress importance of vaccination as cases, deaths continue to increase

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Covid numbers are continuing to increase in the city of Racine. 

Health administrators say they've seen elevated cases since July. They're urging people to not wait any longer and get vaccinated.

The city's health administrator says Racine has the lowest vaccination rate in the county.

They say even if you got the vaccine series, please consider the booster shot.

"In July, this past July, we've arrived in the high category for Covid and we've been there ever since," said Racine Public Health Administrator Dottie Kay Bowersox. 

Racine city leaders are seeing 300 new Covid cases every seven days. The city's death toll is also up.

"As of yesterday afternoon, we had three additional deaths that were reported to us, which brings our death toll up to 146 individuals who have died from Covid."

Bowersox says their vaccination rate is 47.1%.

"Which is the lowest in the county and lower than the state of Wisconsin, so we're urging individuals not only to get that first and second with the vaccine series, but also to get the booster."

Fifty-three percent of residents have been fully vaccinated in Racine County and 54% in Milwaukee County.

Bowersox says kids as young as five can now get vaccinated, and she's recommending parents take that step.

Racine is still continuing their incentive program and kids can get a gift card, too.

"So if you're a city resident and you get vaccinated, you get a $50 gift card and it doesn't matter how old you are. So you can be five years old, come on in, get vaccinated and you get a gift card."

The Festival Hall testing site is closed Wednesday, Dec. 1. It will be open Thursday from noon-6 p.m.

Testing runs until Dec. 13.