City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

MILWAUKEE – This week’s gating metrics tell a similar story to last week’s. The seven-day burden rate remains in the “excessive transmission” category at 277.6 positive cases per 100,000 people. The percentage of positive cases increased to 10%, moving this metric back into the “high transmission” category for the first time since the week of August 12.

Today, an influential FDA advisory committee voted and rejected a plan to administer booster shots of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for the general public but approved recommending the booster shot for individuals age 65 and older. A final decision by the FDA is expected to follow, and the CDC plans to meet next week to continue the discussion. At this time, the Milwaukee Health Department is awaiting further guidance and insight from federal and state medical experts, but boosters are not anticipated to begin next week, as previously targeted as a start date.

Currently, 54.1% of Milwaukee adults over the age of 16 are fully vaccinated, with 60.5% having received at least their first dose. Sunday, September 19, marks the final day to participate in the Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ $100 COVID-19 Vaccine Reward Program. Every Wisconsin resident, 12 years of age and above, who receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by Sunday is eligible to receive the incentive. More information can be found at 100.wisconsin.gov.

After a brief hiatus due to supply constraints, the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is back in stock at the Northwest and Southside Health Centers, along with the Pfizer vaccine. Individuals 16 years of age and older are eligible to receive this single-dose vaccine.

Earlier this week, Mayor Barrett announced the drive-thru testing facility at American Family Field will hold its final day on Saturday, September 25. The Milwaukee Health Department has selected a new site to relocate this mass testing operation and is working to finalize the contract. The location and hours of this new testing site will be announced next week.

“The Milwaukee Brewers have been exceptional partners throughout the past year,” said Milwaukee Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson. “Utilizing American Family Field as a convenient drive-thru site has been instrumental in testing Milwaukee residents. We wish the Milwaukee Brewers luck in the playoffs and thank them for their commitment to public health and the safety of our community.”

Prioritizing COVID-19 testing if you experience any symptoms common with the COVID-19 virus or have come in close contact with someone who is confirmed positive for COVID-19 is an important step to minimize the spread of the virus.

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.