
Popular Wisconsin news meteorologist Pete Petoniak was hospitalized with COVID-19 in November 2021. Petoniak, who works for FOX 11 and is a presenter on the Good Day Wisconsin broadcast, had been fully vaccinated when he contracted the virus. After a 10-day stay in the hospital, he was released on November 25 and made a full recovery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Pete Petoniak |
| Profession | Meteorologist |
| Hospitalization Cause | COVID-19 |
| Vaccination Status | Fully vaccinated |
| Hospitalization Duration | 10 days |
| Release Date | November 25, 2021 |
| Recovery Status | Made a full recovery |
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What You'll Learn

Pete Petoniak was hospitalized with COVID-19
Pete Petoniak, a well-known Wisconsin news meteorologist, was hospitalized with COVID-19 in November 2021. Petoniak, who works for the Fox-affiliated WLUK news station, had been fully vaccinated when he contracted the virus, in what is known as a breakthrough case.
His hospitalization was announced by his co-hosts, who asked viewers to pray for his recovery. In a Facebook post, co-host Rachel Manek wrote, "We ask you to please pray for Pete and his family as he battles COVID. We miss you, Pete!" Another co-host, Emily Deem, tweeted, "We ask that you please pray for Pete. Missing him so much!"
Petoniak spent 10 days in the hospital, during which his oxygen levels dropped, and he received excellent care from the medical team. He was released on Thanksgiving and has since made a full recovery. Reflecting on his experience, Petoniak shared, "I was not feeling good. My oxygen level kept going down for a while... I even read the notes after I got home, and the doctors said in the last 24-48 hours before I got out, my oxygen level really improved."
Upon his return to the studio, Petoniak expressed gratitude for the support he received during his illness: "Even though I wasn't reacting to some of the Facebook comments, all the letters, all the support I got, all the prayers, definitely, I can tell you they really made a big difference." He also thanked his fellow FOX 11 meteorologists for filling in for him during his absence.
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He has since made a full recovery
Pete Petoniak, the popular Wisconsin news meteorologist, was hospitalized with COVID-19 in November 2021. Despite being fully vaccinated, he experienced a breakthrough case of the virus, which led to his hospitalization. Petoniak shared his experience, revealing that he spent 10 days in the hospital, during which his oxygen levels were a concern. He expressed gratitude for the excellent care he received and the support from well-wishers.
After his release from the hospital on Thanksgiving, Petoniak continued his recovery at home. He made a full recovery and returned to the FOX 11 studio in January 2022, resuming his role as Director of Meteorology. In an interview with his co-host Rachel Manek, Petoniak shared his experience and thanked those who had supported him during his illness. He acknowledged the impact of his health scare, stating that he still felt weaker than before COVID but was grateful to be back.
Petoniak's recovery is a testament to the effectiveness of vaccinations and medical care. Despite contracting COVID-19, his symptoms were milder than they could have been, and he was able to return to his regular life and work. This outcome is a positive example of the potential for full recovery from COVID-19 with proper treatment and care.
While Petoniak's experience is encouraging, it is important to recognize that not everyone's recovery journey is the same. Some individuals may experience long-term effects or complications from COVID-19, and ongoing research is dedicated to understanding and addressing these varied outcomes. Nonetheless, Petoniak's full recovery gives hope to those battling the virus and emphasizes the importance of vaccination and timely medical intervention.
Petoniak's story also highlights the power of community support during challenging times. The well-wishes and prayers he received from viewers and colleagues undoubtedly contributed to his recovery journey. As he shared his gratitude for the support, he acknowledged the positive impact it had on his overall well-being. This outpouring of support is a reminder of the importance of community and connection during health crises.
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Petoniak is a well-known Wisconsin news meteorologist
Pete Petoniak, the popular Wisconsin news meteorologist, was hospitalized with COVID-19 in November 2021. Petoniak, who has co-anchored WLUK's Good Day Wisconsin since 1995, was reportedly fully vaccinated when he contracted the virus, what is known as a breakthrough case. According to a report, he had been hospitalized since November 15 and was released from the hospital on November 25.
Petoniak is a well-known and beloved figure in Wisconsin, having been a part of the Good Day Wisconsin team for over two decades. He is also the Director of Meteorology at FOX 11, a Fox-affiliated Wisconsin news station. In this role, he has been instrumental in organizing and participating in the annual FOX 11 Weather Day, where meteorologists present weather information to students from nearly two dozen schools across Northeast Wisconsin.
The annual event, held at the Fox Cities Stadium, is a collaborative effort between FOX 11 and the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. It provides a unique opportunity for students to learn about meteorology and interact with experienced meteorologists like Petoniak, Patrick Powell, Christian Palacio, and Phil DeCastro.
Petoniak's absence from the Good Day Wisconsin broadcasts due to his hospitalization was noticed by viewers, leading to an increase in search queries for his name. His co-hosts, including Emily Deem, asked viewers to pray for his recovery and expressed their support and concern through social media posts.
During his hospitalization, Petoniak was reportedly eager to share his story to raise awareness about the possibility of breakthrough COVID-19 infections even among fully vaccinated individuals. His experience highlights the importance of remaining vigilant against the virus, even with vaccinations in place.
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He was absent from Good Day Wisconsin
Pete Petoniak, a meteorologist for FOX 11 and a well-known presenter on the Wisconsin news station, was absent from Good Day Wisconsin after being hospitalized with COVID-19. Petoniak tested positive for COVID-19 and his case progressed to the point where he required hospitalization in Green Bay. His co-hosts, including Emily Deem and Rachel Manek, asked viewers to pray for his recovery and covered his shifts while he was absent.
Petoniak was fully vaccinated when he contracted the virus, what is known as a breakthrough case. However, he had not received a booster shot. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fully vaccinated individuals are less likely to develop serious illness from COVID-19, but breakthrough cases can still occur. Factors associated with breakthrough cases include waning immunity over time and the fact that no vaccine is 100% effective at preventing illness.
During his hospitalization, Petoniak experienced a decline in his oxygen levels, but his condition improved in the last 24-48 hours before he was released. He spent 10 days in the hospital and was released on Thanksgiving, returning home to rest and recover. Petoniak expressed gratitude for the excellent care he received from the medical team at Bellin Hospital, as well as the well wishes and prayers from viewers.
After his recovery, Petoniak returned to the FOX 11 studio and spent time observing the Good Day Wisconsin show, testing his endurance and stamina for the 4.5-hour-long program. He thanked his fellow FOX 11 meteorologists for filling in for him during his absence and shared that he was feeling weaker than before his illness.
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Petoniak thanked the medical team at Bellin Hospital
Pete Petoniak, a meteorologist at FOX 11, was hospitalized with COVID-19 in November 2021. He was released from the hospital on November 25, Thanksgiving Day, after a 10-day stay. During his hospitalization, Petoniak experienced declining oxygen levels and received excellent care from the medical team.
Upon his return to the FOX 11 studio, Petoniak expressed gratitude for the support he received during his recovery. He specifically thanked the medical team at Bellin Hospital for their excellent care. He also acknowledged the well wishes and prayers from viewers and the efforts of his colleagues who filled in for him during his absence. Petoniak's recovery journey included physical weakness and fluctuating health, underscoring the importance of continued rest and recovery after hospitalization.
Petoniak's COVID-19 case drew attention as a breakthrough infection, as he was fully vaccinated when he contracted the virus. This sparked discussions about vaccine effectiveness and the possibility of contracting COVID-19 even after receiving two vaccine doses. Experts highlighted that breakthrough cases are expected and do not negate the vaccines' effectiveness. Factors such as waning immunity and individual variations in immune response contribute to these occurrences.
The well-known presenter's absence from the Good Day Wisconsin team sparked inquiries from viewers, with increasing online searches for his whereabouts. Petoniak's co-hosts, including Rachel Manek and Emily Deem, actively shared updates on his condition and requested prayers for his recovery. Their support extended beyond his health, as they covered his shifts during his illness.
The outpouring of support for Petoniak exemplified the impact he has had on his viewers and colleagues. The experience highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19 and the importance of vaccination and booster shots in mitigating the severity of infections. Petoniak's recovery and return to work were celebrated, and his gratitude toward the medical team at Bellin Hospital was a testament to the critical role of healthcare professionals during the pandemic.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Pete Petoniak was released from the hospital on November 25, 2021, after being treated for COVID-19.
Pete Petoniak is a popular Wisconsin news meteorologist for FOX 11 and WLUK.
Yes, Pete Petoniak was fully vaccinated when he contracted COVID-19. However, he had not received a booster shot at the time.











































