Mask Advisory Issued In Milwaukee Amid High COVID-19 Community Spread

MILWAUKEE, WI — As Milwaukee County enters a "high" level of COVID-19 community spread as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the city is issuing a new mask advisory.

The high level of community spread is based on three data sets from the previous week: new cases per 100,000 people, new hospital admissions, and the percent of inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients.

Because of the high level, the Milwaukee Health Department recommended Friday that everyone over the age of two, regardless of their vaccination status or past infections with COVID-19, now wear a mask at all times when indoors in a public setting.

“The BA.5 variant is spreading quickly in Milwaukee,” said Milwaukee Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson in the news release. “Even with prior infection, the BA.5 variant is seemingly more transmissible and more immune-evading. The good news is the COVID-19 vaccine is working to protect against severe illness and death, but masking is an important additional tool to protect against widespread infection.”

Masking is an important public health tool providing an additional layer against spreading and getting COVID-19, the Milwaukee Health Department said. While an N95 is best, any mask worn consistently and snugly is better than no mask, the department said.

The health department is also advising people to follow established strategies like maintaining their vaccines, physically distancing, improving ventilation, and washing their hands.