City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

MILWAUKEE – The disease burden in the City of Milwaukee this week increased to 270.9 new positive COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people over seven days and remains in the “extreme transmission” category. The percentage of positive COVID-19 test results is 13.3% and moved into the “extreme transmission” category. Additionally, based on U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, Milwaukee County moved into the High COVID-19 Community Level.

Currently, 64.6% of city of Milwaukee adults 16 years and older are fully vaccinated, and 48.6 % of fully vaccinated individuals have received a booster dose. Of children ages 5 to 11, 20% have completed their pediatric COVID-19 vaccine series and 24.3% have received at least one dose.

The Milwaukee Health Department issued a mask advisory today in response to the increase in CDC COVID-19 Community Level. In accordance with the CDC’s recommendations, all individuals two years and older, regardless of vaccination status or past COVID-19 infection, should wear a mask at all times when indoors and in a public setting. Higher-quality masks, such as KN95 masks and N95 respirators, are recommended for an additional layer of protection.

Following the authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration earlier this week, the CDC approved a recommendation for children ages 5 to 11 to receive a booster dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, at least five months after completing the primary series. Pending the final step of the approval process by the CDC, the Milwaukee Health Department anticipates administration of these booster doses will begin early next week.

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.