City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

MILWAUKEE – This week’s gating metrics provide cautious optimism. The burden rate reported this week is 232.5 positive COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people. This is a slight decrease from 240.3 per 100,000 that was reported on Tuesday. Additionally, the percentage of positive tests dropped from 10.9% last week to 10.4%. Both metrics remain in their same categories, “extreme transmission” and “high transmission” respectively, but the data may indicate we are past the peak of cases.

The FDA and CDC voted to approve a booster shot of Pfizer’s or Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine for immunocompromised individuals. At this time, there is not data to support a Johnson & Johnson vaccine booster, but the FDA and CDC are working to provide guidance. The Milwaukee Health Department is working closely with Wisconsin Department of Health Services and will be following their guidance regarding administration of the booster. Boosters are not anticipated to be available in the city of Milwaukee until next week.

Vaccination is the path forward, and this week many businesses announced decisions to encourage vaccinations to keep their staff and guests safe. Summerfest, The Cooperage, Pabst Theatre Group, and Milwaukee Film will all be requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result to enter events at any of their locations. If you lost or misplaced your COVID-19 vaccination card, you can access and print your record through the Wisconsin Immunization Registry.

Currently, 51.5% of City of Milwaukee adults over the age of 16 have completed their vaccination series, and 56.4% have received at least their first dose. The Milwaukee Health Department continues exploring multiple channels to administer vaccination to Milwaukee residents. To date, the door-to-door vaccination team and community mobilizers have vaccinated 468 residents in their homes.

More information on mobile vaccination clinics and hours for the Northwest Health Center and Southside Health Center vaccination sites can be found at Milwaukee.gov/COVIDvax. Information on COVID-19 testing, including testing hours and closed dates at American Family Field, can be found at Milwaukee.gov/COVIDtesting.

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.