City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

MILWAUKEE – The disease burden in the City of Milwaukee this week increased to 117.8 new positive COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people over seven days and moved into the “high transmission” category. The percentage of positive COVID-19 test results increased to 6.6% and moved into the “moderate transmission” category. Based on the new CDC guidelines, Milwaukee County remains in the low COVID-19 Community Level. Currently, 64.4% of city of Milwaukee adults 16 years and older are fully vaccinated.

“COVID-19 is still very present in our community, as evidenced by the trajectory of our data and increases in positive cases,” said Milwaukee Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson. “However, we have learned a tremendous amount over the past two years. We know there are effective tools to mitigate our risk. We can wear our mask in public, physically distance from others, test before large gatherings, and we know when to stay home to protect our loved ones. I strongly encourage everyone utilize these tools to protect yourselves ad your community as we begin to experience another wave of positive cases.”

This week, healthcare and public health workers across the globe celebrated World Immunization Week to raise awareness of the value of immunization and promoting the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease. The COVID-19 vaccine is instrumental lessening the chance of contracting the COVID-19 virus and in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. However, during the course of the pandemic, routine immunization rates have fallen in children.

To help close this gap in healthcare, the Milwaukee Health Department added routine childhood immunizations and lead testing to the COVID-19 services at the Northwest Health Center and Southside Health Center. All immunizations are available, without an appointment, Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of accessible and equitably-distributed healthcare for all. By removing barriers such as strict appointment times, inaccessible clinic hours, or fees for uninsured or underinsured residents, more Milwaukeeans gain access to these essential services and increase the number of Milwaukee children who are fully up-to-date on their vaccines.

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.