City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

The disease burden in the City of Milwaukee this week is 1,240.7 new positive COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people over seven days and remains in the “extreme transmission” category. The percentage of positive COVID-19 tests decreased to 25.9% and remains in the “extreme transmission” category.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) completed the update of the Wisconsin Electronic Disease Surveillance System (WEDSS), and the backlog has been fully addressed. While the burden rate looks like a drastic increase from what was previously reported last week, the updated metric shows the burden rate was 2,454.6 on January 3 and 2,565.9 on January 6. Currently, both the burden rate and positivity percentage are showing signs of decline.

Currently, 61.7% of city of Milwaukee adults 16 years and older are fully vaccinated and 67.2% have received at least their first dose. Additionally, 37.6% of fully vaccinated individuals have received a booster dose. 10.9% of children ages 5 to 11 have completed their pediatric COVID-19 vaccine series and 17.6% have received at least one dose.

On Tuesday, January 18, the Milwaukee Common Council voted and passed a mask ordinance for the city of Milwaukee. Milwaukee’s new mask ordinance, which will go into effect once it is published in the coming days, requires everyone ages three and older to wear a mask in indoor public spaces. Exceptions to the ordinance include allowing patrons to go without a mask while eating or drinking. Enforcement will be limited with a focus on education. The ordinance remains in effect until March 1. Any businesses who need signage can download and print a poster with English, Spanish, and Hmong translations from the Milwaukee Health Department’s website.

On January 19, the Biden administration launched a campaign to distribute free rapid COVID-19 tests directly to your home. Each household is eligible to receive four tests. Orders can be placed at covidtests.gov and are expected to ship in 7 to 12 days. Individuals without accessible internet access or who need additional support to place an order can call 800-232-0233 or TTY 888-720-7489.

In recent weeks, there has been an increased concern regarding certain COVID-19 testing providers. Wisconsin DHS has created a system for people to share their concerns or file complaints about their experiences with COVID-19 testing providers. Individuals should direct complaints to the DHS Office of Inspector General at 877-865-3432 or online. Examples of complaints could include: incorrect results, missing results, fake results, testing quality, testing site cleanliness, insurance billing, inappropriate fees for tests, testing fraud such as fake test kits, and other related topics.

Vaccination clinics at Milwaukee Public Schools continue through February 8, and the schedule will repeat February 9 through March 1. So far, the Milwaukee Health Department has administered nearly 350 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine at these clinics, after an especially successful clinic at La Escula Fratney Elementary on January 13. The MPS vaccination clinics are open to the public and have pediatric vaccine, adult vaccine, booster doses, and flu shots available. The full schedule is at Milwaukee.gov/COVIDvax.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

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