City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

MILWAUKEE – The disease burden in the City of Milwaukee this week is 243.8 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 16.5% and remains in the “extreme transmission” category. Additionally, based on U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, Milwaukee County remains in the High COVID-19 Community Level.

Currently, 64.4% of city of Milwaukee adults 16 years and older are fully vaccinated, and 50.3% of fully vaccinated individuals have received a booster dose. Of children ages 5 to 11, 21.2% have completed their pediatric COVID-19 vaccine series and 25.5% have received at least one dose. The State of Wisconsin recently ran a data quality assurance, merging duplicate client IDs and removing data entry errors in the Wisconsin Electronic Disease Surveillance System (WEDSS). This database update accounts for any unusual changes in vaccination data.

“With the school year right around the corner, it’s important to get children vaccinated against COVID-19 now,” said Milwaukee Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson. “These life-saving vaccines, in addition to all routine childhood immunizations, will keep our children safe, healthy, and in the classroom this school year. I urge all parents and caregivers to prioritize immunizations today.”

Today’s Back-to-School Health Fair administered over 200 vaccines to students and families. For those who weren’t able to attend the Health Fair, routine childhood immunizations and blood lead level testing are available for free, without an appointment in the COVID-19 clinics at the Northwest Health Center (7630 W. Mill Rd.) and Southside Health Center (1639 S. 23rd St.). These services are available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 to 6 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

As Milwaukee remains in the High COVID-19 Community Level, the mask advisory issued on July 15 remains in place. All individuals over the age of two years who can medically tolerate wearing a mask, regardless of vaccination status or past COVID-19 infection, should wear a mask at all times when indoors and in a public setting.

Masking is an effective public health tool to protect the mask wearer and those around them. While different types of masks provide different levels of protection, it is important to remember any mask, worn consistently and snugly, is better than no mask. Higher-quality masks, such as KN95 masks and N95 respirators, can offer an additional layer of protection.

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.