Joint statement on free COVID-19 testing for Milwaukee’s communities of color
From Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderman Mark A. Borkowski, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa and Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic
We applaud Governor Tony Evers in his move yesterday (Thursday, May 7) to initiate free coronavirus (COVID-19) testing for all of Milwaukee’s African Americans, Latinos, and tribal community members. The free testing could help save untold lives and prevent further spread of the novel virus, which has taken a staggeringly lopsided and deadly toll on people of color across the city and the metro area.
The free testing locations are as follows starting on Monday (May 11):
- 2701 S. Chase Ave.
- 5760 W. Capitol Dr.
- Both locations will be open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. seven days a week
African Americans and Latinos account for about half of all coronavirus cases in Wisconsin. Latinos make up less than 7% of the state’s population, but account for 29% of the COVID-19 cases. African Americans make up only about 6% of Wisconsin’s total population but account for 21% of the confirmed cases statewide.
Thirty percent of Wisconsinites who have died after contracting COVID-19 are African American.
Our African American and Latino residents have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 both at home and where they work. These are often families with essential, front-line workers who put themselves at risk by working difficult jobs (at food plants, restaurants and health care facilities) under challenging circumstances during this pandemic.
We strongly urge African American, Latino and tribal community members – those with or without symptoms – to take advantage of this free COVID-19 testing.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
More about the Coronavirus Pandemic
- Governors Tony Evers, JB Pritzker, Tim Walz, and Gretchen Whitmer Issue a Joint Statement Concerning Reports that Donald Trump Gave Russian Dictator Putin American COVID-19 Supplies - Gov. Tony Evers - Oct 11th, 2024
- MHD Release: Milwaukee Health Department Launches COVID-19 Wastewater Testing Dashboard - City of Milwaukee Health Department - Jan 23rd, 2024
- Milwaukee County Announces New Policies Related to COVID-19 Pandemic - County Executive David Crowley - May 9th, 2023
- DHS Details End of Emergency COVID-19 Response - Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Apr 26th, 2023
- Milwaukee Health Department Announces Upcoming Changes to COVID-19 Services - City of Milwaukee Health Department - Mar 17th, 2023
- Fitzgerald Applauds Passage of COVID-19 Origin Act - U.S. Rep. Scott Fitzgerald - Mar 10th, 2023
- DHS Expands Free COVID-19 Testing Program - Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Feb 10th, 2023
- MKE County: COVID-19 Hospitalizations Rising - Graham Kilmer - Jan 16th, 2023
- Not Enough Getting Bivalent Booster Shots, State Health Officials Warn - Gaby Vinick - Dec 26th, 2022
- Nearly All Wisconsinites Age 6 Months and Older Now Eligible for Updated COVID-19 Vaccine - Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Dec 15th, 2022
Read more about Coronavirus Pandemic here
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