FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 7, 2022

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

MILWAUKEE – The disease burden in the City of Milwaukee this week is 1,034 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 tests increased to 38.5% and remains in the “extreme transmission” category. This week, the City of Milwaukee has experienced both the highest number of tests and the highest test positivity rates throughout the pandemic to date.

Currently, 61.1% of City of Milwaukee adults 16 years and older are fully vaccinated and 66.3% have received at least their first dose. Additionally, 35.7% of fully vaccinated individuals have received a booster dose. 8.5% of children ages 5 to 11 have completed their pediatric COVID-19 vaccine series and 14.6% have received at least one dose.

“The newest gating metrics, while not surprising, are alarming. This current trend is indicative of the presence of Omicron, which is rapidly spreading throughout the city and state,” said Milwaukee Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson. “When you look at how this new variant behaves, it is important to recognize that Omicron began to emerge in Milwaukee right as we began to head into the holiday season—this created a perfect storm, with a more highly transmissible variant emerging while people are traveling and gathering in their homes with friends and family.”

An increased demand for COVID-19 tests is causing longer lines at the Northwest Health Center, Southside Health Center and Menomonee Valley Site. The Milwaukee Police Department is now present at testing facilities to assist with the line and keep everyone safe. The health department requests the public’s patience and understanding as it continues to work through the surge in COVID-19 testing.

In response to the increase in cases, the Milwaukee Health Department’s contact tracing is now focused on individuals under 18 years old in addition to providing support to schools and congregate living environments. Anyone who receives a positive COVID-19 test result should proactively reach out directly to those they have recently come in contact with to tell them and encourage them to get tested.

The number of mobile vaccine clinics available this week is lowered due to a shift in health department staffing to handle the influx in testing demand. Vaccines and boosters are still available to the public at the health department’s community clinics. Milwaukee Health Department vaccine and testing site locations and hours can be found at Milwaukee.gov/coronavirus. Additional free testing and vaccine sites throughout Milwaukee County can be found at HealthyMKE.com.

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Mobile Vaccination Clinic Schedule January 10 – 12, 2022

Monday, January 10

• La Causa, 1643 S. 2nd St.
  2 – 5 p.m.

Wednesday, January 12

• Ascension All Saints Family Health Center, 2400 W. Villard Ave.
  1 – 4 p.m.