City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

MILWAUKEE – This week, Milwaukee County moved into the Medium COVID-19 Community Level, based on U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. This level is determined by three metrics:  new COVID-19 admissions per 100,000 population in the past 7 days, the percent of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients, and total new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population in the past 7 days.

In Milwaukee County, the case rate per 100,000 population is 195.09. This includes the city of Milwaukee’s rate of 178.3 per 100,000. There have been 13.7 new COVID-19 admissions per 100,000 population and 4.8% of staffed inpatient beds are in use by patients with confirmed COVID-19. Additional metrics, such as case burden and percent positivity, are accessible on MHD’s COVID-19 data dashboards.

With the shift into the Medium Community Level, the CDC’s COVID-19 guidance for our community changes. The mask advisory for Milwaukee, which has been in place since July 15, is no longer in effect. Well-fitted, high-quality masks are still recommended in public, indoor spaces for those who are at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Additionally, those who have household or social contact with someone at high risk for severe illness should consider self-testing to detect infection before contact and wearing a high-quality mask when indoors with them.

Another effective mitigation tool is to improve ventilation and air quality in indoor spaces. Improving ventilation can help reduce virus particles and keep COVID-19 from spreading. While the weather is still nice, consider opening doors and windows to bring in fresh, outdoor air. While it’s better to open them widely, even having a window cracked open slightly can help. Homeowners with a central HVAC system can filter the air in their home using pleated air filters. Portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaners, exhaust fans, ceiling fans, and box fans near windows can also help improve air flow.

Most importantly, everyone should make sure they are up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines, including booster doses when eligible. Milwaukee Health Department COVID-19 Clinics are open 6 days a week with free vaccines. No appointment is required to get vaccinated. Visit Milwaukee.gov/COVIDvax for locations and hours.

Earlier this week, CDC released a Fall Vaccination Operational Planning Guide ahead of the anticipated release of the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine. Pending the potential FDA Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) in September 2022 and subsequent recommendations from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a fall and early winter vaccination campaign is expected. Administration of any new bivalent COVID-19 boosters can begin only after CDC’s official recommendations.

Currently, 64.5% of city of Milwaukee adults 16 years and older are fully vaccinated, and 50.8% of fully vaccinated individuals have received a booster dose. Of children ages 5 to 11, 21.8% have completed their pediatric COVID-19 vaccine series and 26% have received at least one dose.

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.