City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

MILWAUKEE – The disease burden in the City of Milwaukee this week decreased to 41.2 new positive COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people over seven days and moved down into the “moderate transmission” category. The percentage of positive COVID-19 test results decreased to 2.7% and remains in the “low transmission” category.

Additionally, based on the new CDC guidelines, Milwaukee County is now in the low COVID-19 Community Level. This new guidance is determined by looking at the combination of three metrics: new COVID-19 hospital admissions per 100,000 population in the past seven days, the seven-day average percent of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients, and total new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population in the past seven days. More information about the CDC’s COVID-19 Community Levels is available on the CDC website.

Currently, 63.4% of city of Milwaukee adults 16 years and older are fully. Additionally, 45.5% of fully vaccinated individuals have received a booster dose. Of children ages 5 to 11, 16.9% have completed their pediatric COVID-19 vaccine series and 21.9% have received at least one dose.

The citywide mask ordinance for Milwaukee expired on Tuesday, March 1. While masks are no longer required in all public buildings, many businesses may still individually require face coverings, and masks are still required on public transportation and in many schools and healthcare facilities. All Milwaukee Health Department health clinics and COVID-19 sites will still require masks for all staff and visitors. For this reason, it is recommended individuals bring a mask along whenever leaving home so they’re prepared in instances when they may be asked to mask up. Masks are a proven tool to slow the spread of COVID-19 and many individuals may choose to continue to wear a mask in public spaces.

“The continued decrease in COVID-19 cases in our community is promising,” said Milwaukee Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson. “The CDC guidance says that those who are fully vaccinated can feel safe foregoing their mask in public spaces. However, for a myriad of reasons, many people are not comfortable removing their masks. They may be immunocompromised, have a young unvaccinated child at home, have other high-risk loved ones in their home, want to continue to add a layer of protection for those around them, or are just not ready to remove their mask yet. Whatever their reason may be, please remember we don’t know anyone else’s individual situation, so it’s important to be respectful and wear your mask if you are asked by a business or individual.”

While the city experiences a lower case burden and level of disease, this is an optimal time to prioritize vaccination. Especially with the loosening of mask restrictions, it’s more important than ever to get vaccinated to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19. Vaccines and booster doses are available without an appointment at the Northwest Health Center, Southside Health Center, and Menomonee Valley Site. Hours of operation, locations, and a full schedule of upcoming mobile vaccination clinics is available on the Milwaukee Health Department COVID-19 website.

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.