Author: Staff

COVID-19 social media campaign launches in Milwaukee with best practices for staying healthy

The Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) rolled out a series of public service announcement (PSA) videos on March 26, with the goal of providing important information and guidance related to Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The City of Milwaukee has 304 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with the largest concentrations in Central City and North Side neighborhoods with a high density of African-American residents. PSA videos can be viewed and accessed by visiting Facebook.com/MKEHealth. “While we are still gathering and analyzing all of the data, it is clear at this point that the communities being hit the hardest by this virus...

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Coalition of Milwaukee philanthropies partner to coordinate local resources in response to COVID-19

The extraordinary challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic is again presenting the Milwaukee community with a moment that defines its social responsibility, and an opportunity to stand up and meet the crisis that threatens all residents. To help alleviate the profound impact the coronavirus outbreak is having on Milwaukee and beyond, a group of philanthropic partners announced their coordinated approach on March 20 to identifying greatest needs and quickly activating funding support and volunteer resources for maximum community impact. “Public health has been our primary focus, but the pandemic also has affected thousands of people by disrupting their...

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Mass transit in a time of need: MCTS to suspend fare collection for bus rides from March 28

The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) announced on March 26 the additional steps it was taking to help protect employees and the general public during the ongoing Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Bus drivers are committed to keeping the system running, and the community needs to commit to keeping bus drivers safe and healthy so that they can do this important job. Starting at 4:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2020, MCTS is suspending fare collection and informing riders that they must enter and exit the bus through the rear door only, unless they need assistance with a mobility device...

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Not a Lockdown: Milwaukee implements “Stay at Home” directive in order to save lives

Mayor Tom Barrett and Dr. Jeanette Kowalik, Commissioner of Health, held a video press conference on March 23 to announce a “Stay at Home” order from the city, just as Governor Tony Evers was preparing to release a similar order statewide to address the pandemic. The city’s initiative came about after the north side of Milwaukee experienced three deaths from the COVID-19 in recent days. Mayor Barrett did not want residents to panic, but felt is was vital in the interest of public health to slow the spread of the coronavirus. “I’m very pleased that the Governor is acting....

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Safer At Home: Wisconsin orders statewide closure of non-essential businesses to contain COVID-19

Governor Tony Evers said on Monday, March 23 that he will order the closure of all non-essential businesses starting Tuesday, March 24. He went on to urge state residents to stay at home to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus that has killed five people in the Wisconsin and infected more than 400. The order from Evers, which he is calling “safer at home,” follows his orders to close the state’s K-12 schools and various businesses, including bars, restaurants and hair salons. He also limited gatherings to no more than 10 people. The Governor said that many unanswered...

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Postponement of PrideFest and Summerfest due to COVID-19 underlines disruption of 2020 festival season

The parent organization of PrideFest, Wisconsin’s largest LGBTQ+ event, announced on March 18 that it was officially postponing the annual 4-day event. The news was followed a few days later by a similar statement from Summerfest. The festival was set to take place at the Henry W. Maier Festival Grounds from Thursday, June 4 to Sunday, June 7. Milwaukee Pride, Inc. made the decision after a wave of large event cancelations and postponements due to the developing COVID-19 situation. This is the first time PrideFest has been postponed in its history. “Pridefest is, and has been a safe space...

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