COVID-19: Latest News and Updates
How to Be Safe This Holiday Season
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging people to alter holiday plans to keep those around them safe. Celebrating with your own household poses the lowest risk of spread. If hosting others, there are a number of considerations to take into account, such as the community levels of COVID-19 and behaviors of guests before gathering. Although the CDC discourages travel right now, if you must travel, plan to so so in the safest way possible, including frequent hand-washing and wearing a mask. Visit the CDC website for full guidance on holiday celebrations. Read more.
New Guidance on COVID-19 Quarantine Duration
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has updated its quarantine guidelines for close contacts. While a 14-day quarantine is still recommended if possible, the new guidelines reflect updated scientific evidence and recognize the difficulties in complying with a 14-day quarantine. People without symptoms can now end their quarantine:
- After completing 10 days of quarantine without testing.
- After completing 7 days of quarantine and receiving a negative test result within 48 hours of the end of quarantine.
City of Milwaukee Updates Public Health Order
The Milwaukee Health Department has updated its public health order, placing further restrictions on restaurant and bar capacity, as well as on team sports. This order uses a phased and measured approach that aligns with state and federal guidelines. Read more.
CARES Grant Applications Now Open for Local Art and Cultural Groups
A new $700,000 grant funded by Milwaukee County’s CARES Act allocation aims to assist arts and cultural programs impacted by COVID-19. Grants will be provided to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations financially impacted by COVID-19. Applications must be submitted by Friday, Dec. 11, 2020. Read more.
Help a Milwaukee Family by Supporting the 13th Annual Holiday Drive
The City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County continue their mission to help those in need during the holiday season with the 13th Annual Holiday Drive. This year’s drive supports both Hope House of Milwaukee and The Guest House of Milwaukee. Items needed include food items, household necessities, essential clothing items, personal hygiene products, baby supplies, and children’s activities. Due to COVID-19, items will not be collected via drop boxes, but through an Amazon wishlist. Items will be shipped directly to organizations. Read more.
Source: Milwaukee’s Unified Emergency Operations Center.