City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

MILWAUKEE – The disease burden in the City of Milwaukee this week decreased to 27.8 new positive COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people over seven days and remains in the “moderate transmission” category. The percentage of positive COVID-19 test results decreased to 1.9% and remains in the “low transmission” category. Additionally, based on the new CDC guidelines, Milwaukee County remains in the low COVID-19 Community Level.

Currently, 63.7% of city of Milwaukee adults 16 years and older are fully vaccinated, and 46.3% of fully vaccinated individuals have received a booster dose. Of children ages 5 to 11, 17.7% have completed their pediatric COVID-19 vaccine series and 22.4% have received at least one dose.

While testing data indicates a decreased disease burden in Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Health Department also monitors other sources of data, such as COVID-19 Wastewater Surveillance. Currently, the data for both the Jones Island and South Shore Sewer Districts are showing a major increase of SARS-Cov-2 concentration in the wastewater. Wastewater surveillance is a new data source and method to monitor levels of COVID-19 in the community without relying on PCR test data.

“This increase is something we’ve been watching closely, but it’s most meaningful to follow the data trends. Right now, it’s too soon to tell if this trend will continue,” said Milwaukee Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson. “Our best course of action at this pivotal point in the pandemic is to get vaccinated and get your booster dose. We all want to live in a safe, healthy community, and the way forward is through vaccination. Please get vaccinated today, and encourage your loved ones to do the same.”

In addition to wastewater surveillance and testing data, the Milwaukee Health Department closely watches other data points, such as testing demand and outbreaks in congregate settings like schools, shelters, or long-term care facilities. Currently, neither of these additional data points are showing any cause for alarm.

As many schools head into spring break in the coming weeks and families make travel plans, it’s important to continue practicing safe COVID-19 guidance. Make sure you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before traveling, which includes additional doses for individuals who are immunocompromised or booster doses when eligible. Follow all requirements and recommendations at each location during travel, including wearing a well-fitting mask and following recommendations for protecting yourself and others. If you are not feeling well or have come in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, it’s crucial to get tested and stay home.

The Milwaukee Health Department continues to provide free COVID-19 vaccine with no appointment required Monday through Saturday, in addition to mobile vaccination clinics. The full schedule of vaccination opportunities is available at Milwaukee.gov/covidvax.

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.