City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

MILWAUKEE – The disease burden in the City of Milwaukee this week increased t0 60.7 new positive COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people over seven days and moved into the “substantial transmission” category. The percentage of positive COVID-19 test results is 4.5% 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, 64.3% of city of Milwaukee adults 16 years and older are fully vaccinated, and 47.8% of fully vaccinated individuals have received a booster dose. Of children ages 5 to 11, 19.2% have completed their pediatric COVID-19 vaccine series and 23.6% have received at least one dose.

As local and national organizations evaluate their existing mask mandates, the Milwaukee Health Department stresses the importance a well-fitted mask has in slowing the spread of COVID-19. The most common way COVID-19 is transmitted from one person to another is through tiny airborne particles of the virus breathed, sneezed, or coughed out by an infected person. A regularly-worn mask that comfortably covers one’s nose and mouth can provide a necessary barrier to slow the spread of the virus from person to person. The Milwaukee Health Department recommends masking when you are gathering in public with people outside your household to protect yourself and those around you.

“COVID-19 cases are beginning to increase, and masking is a proven tool to keep yourself and your loved ones safe,” said Milwaukee Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson. “Every person we pass on the street, interact with at the grocery store, or gather with is facing their own individual situation. They may be immunocompromised, taking care of a high-risk family member, or protecting an unvaccinated child at home. The best way to respectfully protect our community is to wear your mask in public and get vaccinated.”

Beginning Monday, April 25, the Milwaukee Health Department COVID-19 sites at the Northwest Health Center and Southside Health Center will begin offering all routine childhood immunizations and blood lead level testing, in addition to COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses, with no appointment necessary. Childhood immunization rates have decreased over the past two years due to the pandemic, and it’s vitally important to have your children fully immunized to protect their health. The Milwaukee Health Department website has more resources about childhood immunizations.

COVID-19 vaccines remain free of cost for all Milwaukeeans five years of age and older and are available at Milwaukee Health Department sites without an appointment. It’s imperative for all Milwaukeeans to be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines to ensure the best protection possible against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. To be up to date, one must receive two doses of an mRNA vaccine such as Pfizer or Moderna or a single dose of Johnson & Johnson and a booster dose when eligible. More information about staying up to date with the COVID-19 vaccine is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 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.