MILWAUKEE — As Milwaukee makes changes to how they mitigate COVID-19, the Alternate Care Facility in West Allis gets a big boost from the Food and Drug Administration.
On Thursday, the CEO of the Alternate Care Facility, Deb Standridge, said they got the green light to administer Remdesivir, an antiviral treatment for COVID-19.
"That was a gamechanger for our healthcare facilities because there are several patients on this drug. We listened to our healthcare partners and we responded with help of the Department of Administration and Department of Health Services," said Standridge.
However, on Wednesday the Wisconsin Hospital Association told TMJ4 News that it has been tough to find patients willing to go to the ACF.
Standridge said part of the challenge is how new this model of care is, that is why they are sharing brochures and talking with patients and families to help them better understand what to expect.
"We have licensed care professionals. We have licensed RNs. We have respiratory therapists etc. We are an alternative to continuing your care that you’re now receiving in a hospital but this is brand new. It’s unique," said Standridge.
Meanwhile in Milwaukee, with no sign of the virus' spread slowing down, Mayor Tom Barrett announced businesses breaking the local health order will no longer get a warning. Instead, they will receive a citation right off the bat.
"This is the next step, the patient period is over. Now you're either complying or you're not complying. With a serious situation we're in it's appropriate to get more serious about enforcement and that's what we're going to do it," said Barrett.
Mayor Barrett says parts of the city’s reopening plan may be rolled back to help curb the spread of COVID-19. That decision is expected in the coming days.
