City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

MILWAUKEE – The disease burden in the City of Milwaukee this week declined to 135.2 new positive COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people over seven days and moved to the “high transmission” category for the first time since early August. The percentage of positive COVID-19 tests decreased once again to 5.5% and remains in the “moderate transmission” category.

“We’re encouraged by this continuing decline,” said Milwaukee Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson, “but as a community, we need to stay diligent about maintaining our safety precautions, especially as we move indoors with the colder weather. This includes masking up when you’re with anyone outside of your household, avoiding large indoor gatherings, maintaining physical distance whenever possible, washing your hands thoroughly and often, and getting yourself and loved ones vaccinated. In addition to protecting you from COVID, these measures will help keep you healthy and safe as we head into flu season.”

Image from the City of Milwaukee Health Department.

Currently, 58% of City of Milwaukee adults have completed their vaccination series and 63.3% have received at least their first dose. The COVID-19 vaccine incentive program continues for any city of Milwaukee resident who receives their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the Northwest Health Center, Southside Health Center, or Menomonee Valley Site. $25 gift cards are still available on site, while supplies last.

As of Thursday, October 28, the Southside Health Center’s COVID-19 operations have transitioned to a drive-thru. Individuals visiting the Southside Health Center for their COVID-19 vaccine or a COVID-19 test should enter the drive-thru lane from 24^th Street and follow the directional signage. Days and hours of operation remain the same.

Following CDC and Wisconsin DHS guidance, booster doses of all three vaccines are available for all eligible individuals at the Northwest Health Center, Southside Health Center, and Menomonee Valley Site without an appointment.

The following individuals are eligible to get a booster dose if they received a:

• Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months ago.
• Pfizer or Moderna primary vaccine series at least 6 months ago and are:
  • 65 years and older
  • 18 years and older and live in long-term care settings
  • 18 years and older and have underlying medical conditions
  • 18 years and older and live or work in high-risk settings

More details on booster dose eligibility is available on DHS’s website. Any individuals with questions about receiving a booster dose can call the COVID Hotline for assistance at 414-286-6800.

This week, the Food and Drug Administration approved the Pfizer vaccine for 5 to 11 year olds for Emergency Use Authorization. On Tuesday, November 2, advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will make more detailed recommendations, with a final decision by the CDC’s director expected shortly afterwards. Following Wisconsin DHS’s approval, interested individuals will be able to find details about the vaccine at Milwaukee.gov/COVIDVAX.

With Halloween right around the corner, the Milwaukee Health Department has released guidance to celebrate this spooky holiday safely.

• Wear a mask – and not just a spooky one! Make your cloth mask part of your costume. A costume mask is NOT a substitute for a cloth mask.
• Carry hand sanitizer and sanitize often after touching objects or other people.
• Trick or Treat with your household only. Maintain at least six feet of distance between you and other Trick-or-Treaters. Wait your turn before approaching a house to avoid gathering in small spaces.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when you get home and before you eat any treats.
• Those handing out candy from their homes should try to avoid direct contact with trick-or-treaters when possible. Set up a station with individually wrapped treats for kids to take, or find fun and creative ways to pass out candy, like a candy chute.
• Wash your hands before and after handing out treats.
• If you experience COVID-19 symptoms or have come in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, stay home, forego passing out candy, put on a Halloween movie, and enjoy some sweets from your couch.

Trick or Treat in the City of Milwaukee is scheduled for Sunday, October 31 from 1 to 4 p.m. For more information about Trick-or-Treating safely, including guidance from the Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee Fire Department, visit Milwaukee.gov/HalloweenSafety.

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.

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