MARINETTE, Wis. — Marinette County health officials have recommended masks again be used indoors, regardless of vaccination status, due to a rise in COVID-19 activity in the county.

The advisory came Wednesday after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated the county has a “substantial level of community transmission” of the virus, according to a news release from the Marinette County Public Health.

“This is in accordance with the new guidance released by the CDC last week and supported by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) due to the growing case activity and circulation of the delta variant,” the health department advised. “While vaccination remains the top defense against the delta variant, science has shown that wearing a mask over your nose and mouth can help prevent transmission of the respiratory droplets and aerosols that spread COVID-19.”

The move is recommended for all older than age 2.

The highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus has sparked a resurgence of COVID-19 across the country, including in Wisconsin. The state’s seven-day case average stood at 902 as of Tuesday, the highest average since July 2020.

Marinette County health officials also encouraged residents who have not yet been vaccinated to get the shots.

“The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at preventing severe illness that can lead to hospitalizations or death. The best way

to protect yourself, your family, and your community is by getting fully vaccinated,” the news release stated.

It added: “Please continue to stay 6 feet apart from those not in your household, stay home when sick, clean high touch surfaces, washing hands often, and wearing a mask.”

The state Department of Health Services’ COVID-19 data site Tuesday showed 10 new confirmed positives in Marinette County since Friday, though that same site Wednesday reduced the county’s total by two.

For the five Wisconsin counties in the region, the DHS data site Wednesday also had three new confirmed positives in Vilas County and one in Forest County.

The DHS COVID-19 data site Wednesday had Marinette County with 4,266 confirmed cases, 484 probable cases and 68 deaths, seven probable deaths; Vilas County, 2,324 confirmed, 149 probable and 42 deaths, three probable; Forest County, 983 confirmed, 84 probable and 24 deaths, three probable; Iron County, 600 confirmed, 120 probable and 21 deaths, 21 probable; and Florence County, 458 confirmed, 55 probable and 13 deaths.

Wisconsin added 1,113 new positives Wednesday for a total of 625,336 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state to date.

The state recorded three new deaths to reach 7,450 as Gov. Tony Evers’ administration ordered Wisconsin workers to wear masks when they’re working indoors. The mandate from the Department of Administration goes into effect today.

Under the order, all state employees, contractors and interns must wear masks in all indoor spaces in state facilities. Employees can remove their masks if they’re working outdoors, working alone in a personal office or working in a space with the door closed.

Fully vaccinated employees can meet other fully vaccinated employees indoors without masks, as long as all the employees are comfortable doing so.

The state Supreme Court in April ruled that Evers lacks the authority to issue a statewide mask mandate for the public.