MILWAUKEE — The City of Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) has confirmed Milwaukee’s second presumptive case of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, health officials announced Saturday. The individual is an employee at Hopkins-Lloyd Community School, part of Milwaukee Public Schools.
The patient is an adult that is under medical supervision, the health department says. MHD is in the process of identifying and contacting anyone who may have come in contact with the infected person.
“The Milwaukee Board of School Directors are working diligently to make sure families are fully informed regarding this matter," said Board President Larry Miller. "We will continue to work with the Administration and all agencies to keep families and staff informed as updates become available.”
“We have been working closely with all local, state, and federal agencies to monitor this evolving situation,” said MPS Superintendent Dr. Keith P. Posley. “The district will continue to follow the guidance of the City of Milwaukee Health Department to ensure the health and well-being of all students, families, and staff.”
Milwaukee's first case of COVID-19 was announced Friday. That woman was in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case.
MHD says the coronavirus patient is a female, between 30-35 years of age, and is currently isolating at home. Health workers are in the process of identifying and contacting all those who may have come in contact with her as well.
Close contacts will be quarantined for 14 days from their exposure and will be monitored for fever and respiratory symptoms.
“The City of Milwaukee has been working around the clock to prepare for this, and I am confident that our Health Department is up to the challenge,” Mayor Tom Barrett said. “Our Administration is collaborating with federal, state, and local partners as we monitor developments with this outbreak.”
The City of Milwaukee Commissioner of Health, Jeanette Kowalik, has acknowledged that COVID-19 would arrive in Milwaukee like in surrounding areas. MHD has been preparing for this through our Democratic National Convention (DNC) preparations and experience managing other outbreaks ranging from H1N1 influenza in 2009-2010 and vaccine-preventable disease. “Now is the time to remember that we all have the ability to help slow the spread of the illness and protect our fellow Milwaukeeans.
“It is critical that all of us do our part to slow the spread of this virus by refraining from touching one's face, eyes, and nose, covering coughs, washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and staying home when sick with cold or flu-like symptoms. We have also prepared for community mitigation measures, including cancellations of large events and temporary school closures should they become necessary.” Commissioner Kowalik said.
COVID-19 is spread by respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how flu and other respiratory diseases spread, or when people touch surfaces that have been contaminated by an infected person and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth.