The NNS coronavirus update: What Milwaukee residents need to know the week of Aug. 17 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Bridget Fogarty
August 17, 2020
(Photo by Adam Carr)
Here’s the latest update on COVID-19 in Milwaukee and the resources you need to combat it.
MCTS increases number of passengers who can be on buses
On Friday, Milwaukee County Transit System, or MCTS, adjusted its passenger limit from 10 to 15. The new capacity rate stems from an increase in mask usage on buses. Since the MCTS issued a mask requirement Aug. 1.­, transit leaders  estimate mask usage went from 33 percent to 85 percent of passengers complying.
With the pared-down Democratic National Convention, or DNC, taking place this week at the Wisconsin Center,  MCTS officials announced Friday that passengers can expect changes in service due to detours.
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The following route changes will be in effect, according to MCTS:
Milwaukee Health Department releases reopening guidance for K-12 schools
The city announced Phase 4.1 at the start of August, which allows K-12 schools to open at a 50 percent capacity rate with a COVID-19 Health and Safety Plan  approved by the Milwaukee Health Department. Last week, department officials announced how they will review school plans.
The guidance highlights how schools should handle suspected or confirmed positive cases of COVID-19.
According to the guidance, any coronavirus cases that occur in a school located within the City of Milwaukee must be reported to the Health Department by a COVID-19 coordinator, a school-appointed individual responsible for contacting the department. From there, individualized advice and guidance will be given.
If two cases are reported within 14 days or less in the same classroom, the affected cohort will transition to virtual learning, and the classroom must be cleaned.
If a school sees more than 3 percent in positive COVID-19 tests, students and teachers will transition to virtual learning and the facilities will undergo a deep cleaning. After at least a 14-day quarantine, the school will consult with the Milwaukee Health Department and reopen per its guidance.
Milwaukee Public Schools have already announced it will begin the school year virtually, with the school board voting last month on a reopening plan.
In addition, many of the city’s private and charter schools are going the same route. Read: Neighborhood private and charter schools make virtual plans as COVID-19 cases create safety concerns
Where to get free masks
Over a month into the MKE Cares mask mandate, everyone is required to wear masks – indoors and outdoors when within 6 feet of others – in Milwaukee.
To obtain a free mask, residents can visit these sites:
NNS reporters also gathered a list of where to buy locally made masks if you’re looking to show some local business love when masking up.
To report business violations of the mask laws, residents can call 414-286-3674 or email cehadmin@milwaukee.gov. Complaints will remain anonymous.
Check the City of Milwaukee Health Department’s website for the most updated facts and answers to questions about the mask ordinance.
Health commissioner appears on CNN
Health Commissioner Jeanette Kowalik appeared on CNN last week to discuss the city’s response to COVID-!9. Read about how Kowalik and her chief of staff, Lilliann Paine, both Milwaukee natives, are leading during this unprecedented public health crisis.
Resources to know
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.
Contact your health provider, call IMPACT 2-1-1 or take a look at the county’s testing site map to find a testing center near you. The free community testing sites at UMOS, 2701 S. Chase Ave., and Custer Stadium by Barack Obama School, 4300 W. Fairmount Ave. continue to operate.
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.