The City of Milwaukee Order Phase 6 Update

MILWAUKEE– COVID-19 vaccinations are now widely available, and public health orders remain in place.  Even so, virus infections in Milwaukee continue at much higher rates than last month at this time.

The gating criteria monitored by the Milwaukee Health Department continue to raise concern.  The seven-day rate of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people stands at 95.6, a number that shows “substantial transmission.” The percentage of positive tests increased to 5%, elevating that metric to “moderate transmission.”

Based on these gating metrics, the Milwaukee Health Department anticipates changing the public health order next week from Phase 6 to Phase 5. That change will reduce capacity limits.  Many locations with approved safety plans will not be substantially affected by the move to Phase 5. More information about the public health order phasing is available at milwaukee.gov/mmfs.

“It seems counterintuitive. At a time when vaccinations are available and everyone is aware of safe practices, we should see COVID-19 infection rates declining. That is not the case,” Commissioner Kirsten Johnson said.  “The presence of newer, easily transmitted COVID variants is one likely culprit; another factor is COVID-fatigue. With the finish line in sight, we all need to take every reasonable precaution to limit the spread of the virus.”

COVID-19 variants, including the B.1.1.7 or UK variant, are present in Milwaukee. This particular variant is associated with increased transmission and more significant health consequences including death.

Vaccine eligibility and availability changed this week as all Wisconsin residents ages sixteen and over can now receive the COVID-19 vaccine. For the first time, the supply of vaccine is sufficient to meet the demand at the Wisconsin Center vaccination site and at community vaccination sites. Same-day appointments were available at the Wisconsin Center site, and, at least temporarily, walk-ins were welcome there.

Vaccination appointments can still be made through the Health Department’s scheduling portal and vaccine information hub at milwaukee.gov/covidvax. People without internet access can schedule appointments by calling 414-286-6800.

Starting Monday, April 12th, the COVID-19 testing at American Family Field will be changing. Testing will now be available Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm.  The location in the stadium parking lot is moving east to the “Yount” lot. COVID-19 testing continues to be available at the Southside Health Center and the Northwest Health Center six days per week from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm. The most up to date information about testing is available at Milwaukee.gov/covidtesting or by calling 414-286-6800. People with COVID-19 symptoms and everyone potentially exposed to someone infected with COVID-19 are encouraged to be tested.

Below are the Gating Criteria that drive our City’s advancement through the phases and guide our reopening.

Reminder – Milwaukee’s mask ordinance (MCO ch. 62-8) continues to require appropriate face covering while the city’s public health order is in place. Please report business violations of the mask laws or the current public health order by calling 414-286-3674 or emailing cehadmin@milwaukee.gov. Complaints can remain anonymous. Free MHD masks are available for households and individuals. View free mask locations at milwaukee.gov/masks.

The City of Milwaukee key indicators for Moving Milwaukee Forward Safely are updated weekly and are available online at milwaukee.gov/coronavirus.

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.