The NNS coronavirus update for the week of Nov. 23: How to stay safe on Thanksgiving and how to honor public health workers | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Matt Martinez
November 23, 2020
Miller Park introduced Saturday hours for the first time last week. (Photo by Adam Carr)
Here’s the latest update on COVID-19 in Milwaukee and the resources you need to combat it.
With the holiday season approaching, officials are urging Milwaukeeans to cancel plans with large gatherings for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Dr. Ben Weston, director of medical services at the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management, discouraged people from gathering with family members outside of their household, and he asked them to consider canceling large family gatherings.
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Weston shared a report from Ohio State University that said that 40% of people surveyed were planning on having Thanksgiving with more than 10 people.
Doctors are preparing for unprecedented surges in COVID-19 following the holiday, according to Milwaukee County Board of Health President Ruthie Weatherly. But officials hope people will heed their warning.
“It can be virtual,” Weston said. “It can be small with those in your household. It can still be special . . . but it cannot be with people outside of your house. It cannot be the impetus for an even worse spike than we’re already experiencing.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also released guidelines for safety during Thanksgiving.
Miller Park’s testing site began offering hours for the first time Saturday. The site will be open for drive-thru and walk-up testing from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Its weekday hours are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The site, located at 1 Brewers Way, has been one of the busiest in the city. According to a press release, the site has regularly exceeded its benchmark of providing 2,000 daily tests.
Ascension Wisconsin announced a new clinic for COVID-19 patients who continue to experience symptoms after their diagnosis.
The clinic, located at 8020 S. Howell Ave. in Oak Creek, is open to anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 and has persistent symptoms or lingering health issues weeks or months after their test.
Post-acute COVID patients could have symptoms including neurological and cognitive changes, behavioral health needs, heart and lung issues, and sleep problems. The new clinic will have staff who specialize in treating each of these symptoms and more.
The clinic is available by appointment. Those seeking a consultation should call 414-647-7008.
Gov. Tony Evers announced last week that he was declaring a public health emergency via executive order and extending the state’s mask and face covering mandate.
The state’s mask mandate was set to expire on Nov. 21. The order requires any Wisconsin resident over the age of 5 to wear a mask when indoors. The order will last for 60 days before needing to be renewed again.
Monday, Nov. 23 is “Public Health Thank You Day” to honor the people who help keep us healthy and safe. Click here to learn how you can help.
Read our story here.
To obtain a free mask, residents can visit these sites:
• The Northwest Health Center, 7630 W. Mill Rd., is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• The Southside Health Center, 1639 S. 23rd St., is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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.
Check the City of Milwaukee Health Department’s website for the most updated facts and answers to questions about the mask ordinance.
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 the Northwest Health Center, 7630 W. Mill Rd., and Southside Health Center, 1639 S. 23rd St., are now open and operating. Miller Park is also open.
For more information on testing, including how to identify symptoms and when you should get tested, visit TestUpMKE.com. Available in English, Spanish, Hmong, Burmese and Arabic.
Check out our continuing coronavirus coverage.
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