Wisconsin DHS issues public health advisory as Omicron variant is detected in Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58)-- Wisconsin's Department of Health Services (DHS) has issued a public health advisory as the Omicron Variant is detected in Wisconsin.

According to the DHS, cases are anticipated to surge in the coming weeks.

Wisconsinites are being asked to take immediate action to prevent hospitalizations and deaths. 

"There is a serious risk that continued, increased numbers of COVID-19 cases will overwhelm an already strained health care system, leading to dangerous situations where patients experiencing medical emergencies may not be able to receive immediate, adequate, life-saving attention and care due to lack of hospital capacity," the DHS said in a statement. 

Governor Evers encouraged people to get the vaccine and booster doses. 

“I urge every Wisconsinite to take immediate action and get the COVID-19 vaccine and your booster dose if you haven’t received it already—this is critically important for mitigating surges in hospitalizations and deaths across our state,” said Gov. Evers. “Please get the vaccine, continue following public health best practices, and do your part to help slow the spread of the Omicron variant.”

The city of Milwaukee currently has a mask advisory in place.