Milwaukee moves from extreme to high COVID-19 transmission

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee County has moved from the "extreme" COVID-19 transmission category to the "high" transmission category for the first time in over three months, according to county health officials Tuesday, Feb. 15.

They said while we're not out of the woods yet, things are moving in the right direction.

Dr. Ben Weston, Milwaukee County chief health policy advisor, encouraged those who haven't, to get vaccinated.

He said they're promoting more N95 mask giveaways through Friday, or as long as they last, on the third floor of the Marcia Coggs Center.

As things continue to get better, Dr. Weston said we'll get closer to rolling back mitigations.

"We should be cautious as we look to pull back mitigation measures. Now let's be clear, we will not mask and distance forever, and better days are certainly to come," said Dr. Weston. "But as we determine our path forward, that path should be guided by metrics, should be informed by experts, and be focused on equity."

County health officials also said if you head to the polls Tuesday, masks and social distancing will be place, hand sanitizer will be available, and polling staff will be working to keep facilities clean.