FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 20, 2021

Contact: Emily Tau, [email protected]
(414) 286-3780, (414) 308-5556

City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

MILWAUKEE – The gating metrics continue the same slight decline that began last week. The burden rate decreased to 224.5 cases per 100,000 people and remains in the “extreme transmission” category. This is a slight decrease from 232.5 per 100,000 people last week. The percentage of positive tests is 9.7%, a decrease from 10.4% last week, and remains in the “substantial transmission” category.

Following CDC and Wisconsin DHS guidance, the Milwaukee Health Department began administering an additional third dose of the mRNA vaccine for immunocompromised individuals this past Tuesday, August 17. Additional vaccine doses for those who qualify will be available at the Northwest Health Center (7630 W. Mill Rd.) and Southside Health Center (1639 S. 23rd St.) without an appointment.

Earlier this week, public health and medical experts from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a joint statement on the Administration’s plan for COVID-19 booster shots for non-immunocompromised people. At this time, booster doses for individuals with normal immune systems, whose immunity may have waned over time, are not recommended, but the CDC anticipates this initiative will begin the week of September 20, according to the statement. The Milwaukee Health Department will adhere to evolving guidance from federal and state authorities.

Bringing first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine remains the top priority for the department. Currently, 52.0% of City of Milwaukee adult residents have completed their vaccination series, and 57.2% have received at least their first dose. To date, the door-to-door vaccination team and community mobilizers have vaccinated 507 residents in their homes.

COVID-19 vaccines will be available at upcoming events such as the Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church’s Back to School Fair (2700 W. Brown St.) and BLOC and LIT’s Back 2 School Bash (2308 W. Nash St.) on Saturday, August 21. The team will also bring vaccination to all three days of Mexican Fiesta at Henry Maier Festival Park (200 N. Harbor Dr.), August 27 through 29. A full schedule of upcoming vaccination events can be found at Milwaukee.gov/COVIDvax.

The average daily testing volumes have more than doubled in the past month. This past week, MHD administered an average of 2,115 tests per day. Anyone who experiences COVID-19 symptoms or has come into close contact with anyone who has received a positive COVID-19 test should get tested. Testing is free and available without an appointment at American Family Field and the Northwest and Southside Health Centers. Due to the Brewers’ game schedule, the drive-through testing site at American Family Field will be closed on Saturday, August 21. For more information about COVID-19 testing, visit Milwaukee.gov/COVIDtesting.

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Mobile Vaccination Clinic Schedule August 21 – 29, 2021

Saturday, August 21

• Northwest Catholic School
  7140 N. 41st St.
  10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
   
• Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church
  Back to School Fair
  2700 W. Brown St.
  12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
   
• BLOC and LIT Back 2 School Bash
  2308 W. Nash St.
  12 – 4 p.m.

Monday, August 23

• Canaan Baptist Church
  2975 N. 11th St.
  10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
   
• Pius XI High School
  135 N. 76th St.
  2 – 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, August 24

• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Student Union
  2200 E. Kenwood
  11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Wednesday, August 25

• Ascension All Saints Family Health Center
  2400 W. Villard Ave.
  1 – 4 p.m.
   
• Next Door Foundation
  5310 W. Capitol Ave.
  2 – 6 p.m.
   
• Messmer High School
  742 W. Capitol Ave.
  4 – 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, August 26

• Mount Mary University
  2900 Menomonee River Parkway
  12 – 2 p.m.

Friday, August 27

• Mexican Fiesta
  Inside Festival Main Gates
  12 – 6 p.m.

Saturday, August 28

• MPS Run Back to School
  Wick Playfield
  5225 W. Vilet St.
  9 – 11 a.m.
   
• Brentwood Church of Christ
  Community Day Fair
  6425 N. 60th St.
  11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
   
• Next Door Foundation
  Community Cookout and Resource Fair
  2407 W. Nash St.
  12 – 2 p.m.
   
• Mexican Fiesta
  Inside Festival Main Gates
  12 – 6 p.m.
   
• Alverno College
  3400 S. 43rd St.
  1:30 – 4 p.m

Sunday, August 29

• Mexican Fiesta
  Inside Festival Main Gates
  12 – 6 p.m.