Amid COVID surge, Milwaukee Health Department issues new restrictions

In response to concerning rises in positive COVID-19 cases in the City of Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Health Department is announcing revisions to its Moving Milwaukee Forward Plan. These changes include some new restrictions on activities and operations that you should be aware of. Highlights of these changes are included below.
 
It should be noted that these revisions were made by the Health Department only after extensive consultation with MMAC and other impacted parties. We are very grateful to Health Commissioner Marlaina Jackson, Deputy Commissioner Claire Evers and their entire team for their commitment to working collaboratively to find the least disruptive steps possible to respond to the recent spikes in the virus locally. 
 
Changes:

• There are over 49 schools or school networks currently operating with in-person hybrid instruction under extensive COVID safety plans approved by the Health Department. Similarly, 981 hospitality establishments have submitted safety plans; 537 have had those plans approved by the department. For the most part, these institutions with approved safety plans are allowed to continue operation under those plans and are not subject to the new revisions in the Moving Milwaukee Forward plan. The gathering limits below impact unregulated spaces or institutions without approved safety plans.
• Gathering limits are changed to a maximum of 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors. Churches and places of First Amendment speech (i.e. voting, campaign rallies, etc.) are exempted and their max is 100 people.
• Seating is required at ALL gatherings: events, restaurants, bars, etc.
• Dance floors closed
• Sports competitions will be allowed only if they submit a plan for approval and it must include testing of all players and staff a minimum of 3x per week.

While not covered in the new revised order, there will be some changes in how the health department interacts with schools and other establishments in terms of COVID outbreaks or violations of safety plans or safety orders. 
 
Schools that have more than 3% of their on-site population test positive for COVID over a 14-day period will be reviewed by the health department for possible shift to virtual instruction or modification of their operating plan (this process is largely analogous to how outbreaks are handled at places of business). 
 
Also, the department announced last Friday that it will be taking a more aggressive enforcement approach to establishments in violation of their safety plans or of the city’s orders.
 
Read the full text of the order.