COVID-19: Latest News and Updates
Governor Evers Issues New Order
As COVID-19 continues to surge across the state, Gov. Tony Evers announced Executive Order #94, which includes new measures to combat the spread of COVID-19. Executive Order #94 advises Wisconsinites to stay home, urges precautions Wisconsinites should take to stay safe if they have to leave their home, and encourages businesses to take additional steps to protect workers, customers, and the surrounding community. Learn more.
Wisconsin Physician Leaders and Public Health Officers Issue Plea to Community
Southeastern Wisconsin is experiencing critically high levels of COVID-19 and significant spread in communities. COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are increasing across the state. Health care leaders and local health departments are asking the communities they serve to do their part to reduce the spread and to protect families, friends, and the community by doing the following:
- Wear a mask
- Wash your hands
- Watch your distance
- Get your flu shot
Contact Tracing Update – Milwaukee County
With the recent, sharp increase in the number of positive COVID-19 test results, the Milwaukee Health Department is asking individuals who have tested positive to supplement the department’s contact tracing efforts. Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 are asked – to the extent they are able – to personally reach out to their close contacts to alert them to exposure. Contact tracing can play an important role in limiting the spread of the virus by alerting people who might have been exposed to COVID-19 so that they can appropriately quarantine themselves. There is an option to anonymously alert close contacts through the online tool Tell Your Contacts. Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services offers this additional guidance on contact notification. Learn more.
COVID-19 Testing Locations
Testing at Milwaukee County COVID-19 testing sites is free for anyone, regardless of symptoms. No appointment is needed. There are many testing location options throughout Milwaukee County. Testing sites at Southside Health Center, Northwest Health Center and the South Shore site in South Milwaukee are closed for Veterans Day. Testing continues at the Miller Park site. As a reminder, Federally Qualified Health Centers and private health providers continue to provide tests for symptomatic individuals. Many Federally Qualified Health Centers and health care providers have same-day appointments available. Call 2-1-1 or visit TestUpMKE for the latest testing information.
COVID-19 Media Briefing Recordings
Milwaukee County and local municipal officials provide updates on the latest information and developments related to the COVID-19 public health crisis and emergency response efforts twice a week to the media. Recordings of those briefings are available online. Listen.
City of Milwauee Updates COVID-19 Public Health Plan
COVID-19 cases are increasing at a concerning rate in the City of Milwaukee. The City of Milwaukee’s key indicators for Moving Milwaukee Forward Safely are updated every Thursday and are available online here. The Milwaukee Health Department continues to review COVID-19 Safety Plans for businesses and schools located in the City of Milwaukee. As a reminder, face masks are mandatory city-wide. Read more.
Energy Assistance Available
Now is the time to apply for energy assistance. The income requirements have changed due to COVID-19. If you’ve previously applied and didn’t qualify, you are encouraged to apply again. When you qualify for the Energy Assistance program, you can access additional energy-saving and money-saving programs. Visit KeepWarmMKE.org for more information or to apply online. Learn more.
Holiday Travel Guidance from the CDC
As cases of COVID-19 increase in Wisconsin and around the United States, use CDC guidance to plan a healthy and safe Thanksgiving holiday. Travel increases the chance of spreading or contracting COVID-19. Consider some of the following holiday activities:
- Having a virtual dinner and sharing recipes with friends and family
- Shopping online rather than in person on Black Friday
Watching sports events, parades, and movies from home. Learn more.
Source: Milwaukee’s Unified Emergency Operations Center. The center is made up of the 19 municipalities in Milwaukee County along with the public health officers, health care providers and public safety officers within the County, is committed to providing the most up-to-date information to stop the spread of COVID-19. This newsletter provides weekly updates and information to residents.