City of Milwaukee Order Phase 6 Update

MILWAUKEE – As announced on Tuesday, the Milwaukee Health Department has made the decision to let the Moving Milwaukee Forward Health Order expire on June 1. The order’s expiration will also end the requirements of the existing Milwaukee mask ordinance.

“Our goal when making decisions throughout this entire pandemic has always been to do the most good for the most people and protect our vulnerable population,” said Commissioner Kirsten Johnson. “We’ve listened to the infectious disease experts and epidemiologists, followed the science, and closely aligned with the CDC’s recommendations and guidance, and that is what we will continue to do going forward.”

The public health guidance to forgo masks is for fully vaccinated individuals only. Fully vaccinated, by the CDC’s guidelines, refers to individuals who are two weeks past their second dose for Pfizer or Moderna, or two weeks past their single dose for Johnson & Johnson. If individuals are not fully vaccinated, they should continue to wear masks in any public indoor settings. Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, should continue to wear masks in schools, congregate living, and healthcare settings.

This loosening of restrictions puts an added emphasis on vaccinations. Milwaukee has more than enough supply of vaccine for everyone who wants that protection. In addition to the FEMA vaccination clinic at the Wisconsin Center, which will close on May 28, and the Northwest Health Center and Southside Health Center vaccination sites, there are multiple upcoming mobile vaccination clinics throughout the community. A list of this week’s mobile vaccination clinics are attached.

This week’s gating metrics continue to trend in an optimistic direction. The 7-day burden rate of cases per 10,000 people dropped to 56.3, down from 80.3 last week and 110.6 the week prior. The 7-day percentage test positivity dropped to 3.3%, down from 4.0% last week, and remains in the “low transmission” category. The percentage of fully vaccinated adults over the age of 16 in the City of Milwaukee also grew to 40.4% this week.

Milwaukee Brewers fans who have not received their vaccination have an exciting upcoming opportunity next week. The Health Department will have vaccines available before the Brewers games versus the San Diego Padres on Wednesday and Thursday, May 26 and 27. Fans who get vaccinated before the game will receive two free tickets to that day’s game. Wednesday’s game is at 6:40 p.m., and vaccines will be available from 4:10 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday’s game is at 12:10 p.m., and vaccines will be available from 9:10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

“We are thankful for the Brewers’ generosity and hope to see many Brewers fans take advantage of this opportunity and incentive,” said Commissioner Johnson. “Because of our strong partnerships with organizations such as the Milwaukee Brewers we can continue to bring vaccines into the community.”

If any business or event has interest or availability in hosting a vaccination clinic, please reach out to the Milwaukee Health Department at ntomar@milwaukee.gov.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.