City of Milwaukee Mask Advisory July 29 - City of Milwaukee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 29, 2021

Contact: Emily Tau, emitau@milwaukee.gov
(414) 286-3780, (414) 308-5556

City of Milwaukee Mask Advisory

MILWAUKEE – The City of Milwaukee Health Department, with support from the Mayor's office, City of Milwaukee Public Health and Safety Committee Chairwoman Dimitrijevic, and Board of Health is issuing new recommendations regarding the use of masks, in accordance with the guidance released by the Center for Disease Control on Tuesday, July 27, 2021.

The dominant presence of the Delta variant in Milwaukee is causing an increase in positive COVID-19 cases. In the past month, the burden rate has gone from the "low transmission" category into the "substantial transmission" category, and the CDC's updated masking recommendations are for those in areas of substantial or high transmission.

The City of Milwaukee Health Department strongly advises everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask when indoors with people outside of their household. Breakthrough COVID-19 infections are rare but possible for those who are fully vaccinated. While the vaccine effectively protects individuals from severe symptoms, hospitalization, and death, preliminary evidence shows fully vaccinated people who become infected can still spread the virus to others.

"We are calling on our community to step up and mask up to keep yourselves and your loved ones safe," said Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson. "The most effective way to combat this surge in positive cases is through vaccination, but until vaccination rates improve, we must be willing to take simple steps such as wearing a mask to protect our community and the most vulnerable."

In addition to masking, the Milwaukee Health Department strongly advises anyone, regardless of vaccination status, who experiences symptoms or has come in contact with someone who has COVID-19, get tested and quarantine until a negative COVID-19 test is received. More information on free testing locations and hours can be found at milwaukee.gov/COVIDtesting.

If you or someone you know is looking for options to get vaccinated, hours and locations for walk-up clinics and a schedule of mobile clinics can be found at milwaukee.gov/COVIDvax.

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