The NNS coronavirus update: What Milwaukee residents need to know the week of July 20 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Bridget Fogarty
July 20, 2020
Milwaukee has seen an increase in daily counts of coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths. (Photo by Adam Carr)
Here’s the latest update on COVID-19 in Milwaukee and the resources you need to combat it.
In the past week, Milwaukee has seen an increase in daily counts of coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths. In the county’s virtual COVID-19 update Thursday, health officials said these trends look similar to the spike the county saw in May.
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Dr. Ben Weston of the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management warned the county will see worsening numbers of cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the coming weeks if precautions aren’t taken.
“We as a community and as individuals can be proactive in slowing transmission,” he said. “We must act now before we are forced to act by untenable case counts and overwhelmed hospitals.”
One proven way to reduce transmission of COVID-19 is wearing a mask, and the newly implemented MKE Cares ordinance requires all residents to wear a face covering in public spaces — both indoors and outdoors.
“By signing this ordinance, it’s a recognition that we have not done everything that’s necessary to fight COVID-19,” Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said in Thursday’s update.
Scientific research shows wearing a face covering limits  the spread of COVID-19.
When outside, residents must always have a mask in their possession and use common sense on when to have it on, Barrett said. Even when walking on the lakefront or on the block alone, if you cannot maintain a social distance of 6 feet with a passerby, he said, then you have to wear a mask.
The ordinance also requires the city to create a program that provides free masks for residents in need. The Milwaukee Health Department is giving away free masks at the following locations:
Here’s where else to find free or locally made masks. Check the Milwaukee Health Department’s list of frequently asked questions for more information on the mandate.
The ordinance will remain until the Moving Milwaukee Forward health and safety order is lifted.
The school board approved MPS’ plan to reopen schools, which includes three phases and begins with at least 30 days of virtual instruction.
Remember that so long as the city is in Phase 4 of reopening, schools located in the City of Milwaukee are not permitted to hold in-person sessions, according to the Health Department’s Phase 4 Assessment Update.
Beginning July 25, We Energies will be able to disconnect services. If you are behind on your payments, here’s how to keep your utilities on.
Do you have questions about COVID-19 in Milwaukee or how the state is responding to it? What information can we provide that will help you or make life easier as we all deal with this pandemic?
Fill out this form, and NNS reporters will look for answers for you.
Look here for up-to-date statistics on COVID-19 in the county. More precautions on how to stay safe and information on COVID-19 can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.
Check out our continuing coronavirus coverage.
Looking for more personalized direction to resources and information during the coronavirus crisis? Get connected with News414, a texting-based news resource from Milwaukee NNS, Wisconsin Watch and Outlier Media. You can text MILWAUKEE to 73224 and begin to receive free, personalized data via text messages.