Milwaukee COVID positivity rises, now 'high'

The Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) on Friday, Sept. 17 reported slight increases to COVID-19 trends for the preceding week.

According to MHD, the city saw 277.6 cases per 100,000 people. The case burden is up from the previous week's 254.5 cases per 100,000. The gating criteria remains in the "extreme transmission" category.

Percent positivity increased to 10%, escalating into the "high transmission" category. The gating criteria was reported at 9.6% the previous week. It is the first time since Aug. 12 that positivity has been considered "high."

SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News

As of this week, 60.5% of Milwaukee residents age 16 or older have received at least their first dose of vaccine and 54.1% have completed their vaccination series, MHD said.

Sunday, Sept. 19, marks the final day to participate in the Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ $100 COVID-19 Vaccine Reward Program. Every Wisconsin resident, 12 years of age and above, who receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by Sunday is eligible to receive the incentive. More information can be found at 100.wisconsin.gov.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX6 News app for iOS or Android.

Featured

Fort Atkinson schools mask mandate in effect until at least Oct. 26

Changes are taking place at Fort Atkinson schools after a 13-year-old tests positive for COVID-19 and dies.

Featured

Milwaukee teachers' union wants masks required indoors

More than one out of every three new COVID-19 cases in Milwaukee is a child. The Milwaukee teachers' union wants the health department to do more.