Milwaukee County launches COVID-19 awareness campaign, MCTS buses free starting Saturday

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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee has one of the highest counts of COVID-19 cases in cities across the country.

The county is up to nearly 400 cases and eight deaths from the disease.

As workers continue to find ways to slow the spread, residents can expect to see more public messaging about keeping safe from COVID-19.

“The number of people dying is growing faster than anyone wants to see and it’s going to continue growing," Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele said.

Leaders are also paying close attention to growing numbers among Milwaukee’s black residents.

Looking at our map, it certainly appears that the north end of our county, specifically the North Side of Milwaukee currently has the greatest amount of cases," said Dr. Ben Weston, director of Medical Services for the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management.

“We’re getting ready to roll out our campaign to increase outreach to the African American community," City of Milwaukee Commissioner of Health Dr. Jeanette Kowalik said.

For those who need public transit, the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) is making changes for essential travel.

Starting at 4 a.m. on Saturday (3/28), buses will be free and all, who are able, must enter and exit through the rear bus doors.

“Unless you are going to a pharmacy, grocery store or one of the businesses that the safer at home order allows to be open, you should not be traveling by bus," said Dan Boehm, managing director of Milwaukee County Transit System.

Leaders say they will continue to enforce Wisconsin’s Stay-at-Home orders, and a major part of that is more outreach.

“We know how important it is to education people and to tell them, look you might think that you’re immune to it but there are other people in your life that you have to be concerned about as well," Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said.

The Health Department has already launched its COVID-19 video awareness campaign.

One of the main goals is to reach and educate black residents in the Central City and North Sides where those cases are growing.

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