Milwaukee County COVID-19 positive rate falls

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee County's rate of positive coronavirus cases has fallen to its lowest level since March, but officials warn that progress can easily be lost.

The county's positivity rate fell to four percent the week of Aug. 17. City and county health leaders said the rate hasn't been at that level since March.

They credit the various mask rules that have gone into effect in a couple of cities as well as the state.

They worry though with schools reopening, even with safety plans and preventative measures in place, the number of cases could rise again.

"Its having a promising affect on our disease burden, so this is a time as the county executive mentioned to continue to stay vigilant with the distancing and mask wearing," said Dr. Ben Weston with the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management.

The number of people getting tested in Milwaukee County for COVID-19 has fallen for the sixth week in a row.

It's down to 20,000 per week, from a peak of 30,000.

Health officials said there are tests available.