Milwaukee COVID case, drop in positivity; the blocking criteria are maintained

MILWAUKEE – On Friday, October 1, the Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) reported a drop in COVID-19 cases and positivity trends for the previous week.

According to MHD, the city recorded 313.5 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The number of cases is down from 351.6 cases per 100,000 the previous week. The blocking criteria are considered “excessive,” MHD said.

The percentage of positivity fell to 8.6%, remaining in the “substantial transmission” category. The blocking criteria were reported at 9.1% the previous week.

SIGN UP TODAY: Receive Daily Headlines, Latest Email News from FOX6 News

As of this week, 61.7% of Milwaukee residents aged 16 or older have received at least their first dose of vaccine and 56.2% have completed their vaccination series, MHD said.

“We are living in an unvaccinated pandemic,” Milwaukee Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson said. “Although groundbreaking cases of people vaccinated can still occur, we know that the COVID-19 vaccine provides effective protection against the spread of the virus, as well as against serious illness, hospitalization and death. It is time for the community to come together and encourage all residents 12 years and older to receive their vaccine. “

FREE DOWNLOAD: Receive late-breaking alerts in the FOX6 News app for iOS or Android.

A new COVID-19 driving test site will not open on Monday, October 4, as previously planned. MHD continues to follow the legal process to move into the identified location and hopes to have an update to announce next week.

In the meantime, staff at Northwest Health Center and Southside Health Center have been able to effectively manage the demand for COVID-19 testing. You can find more information about these test sites at Milwaukee.gov/COVIDtesting.

More information regarding Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster eligibility can be found in official guidelines from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.