MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has issued a public health advisory ahead of the holidays due to the fast-spreading omicron COVID-19 variant.

The omicron variant is anticipated to cause a rapid increase in disease activity in the coming weeks. The DHS is encouraging Wisconsinites to take fast action to prevent additional hospitalizations and deaths.

“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,” Gov. Tony Evers said. “Please get the vaccine, continue following public health best practices, and do your part to help slow the spread of the omicron variant.”

The DHS provided the following steps to help curb the spread of the variant:

• Get vaccinated against COVID-19, including a booster dose for those eligible

• Wear face masks in indoor spaces when others are present who do not live with you

• Celebrate safely over the holidays by keeping gatherings small, getting tested before visiting others and staying home if you have any symptoms

“To prevent the spread of disease and protect yourself and loved ones this holiday season, we urge Wisconsinites to plan ahead,” secretary-designee Karen Timberlake said. “Keep holiday gatherings small, stay home if you have been exposed or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, and get tested before spending time with people you do not live with.”

Health officials said anyone with signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested, regardless of their vaccination status. Those exposed to COVID-19 are encouraged to get tested 5-7 days after exposure.

DHS currently provides free at-home collection kits, a type of at-home test, for all Wisconsinites.

More than 936,000 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Wisconsin. To find a local vaccine provider, visit Vaccines.gov, or call 211 or (877) 947-2211.