Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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COVID-19 Vaccine Information

WHAT IS COVID-19?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses common throughout the world, some causing illness in people and others among animals. COVID-19 is a new coronavirus that can cause mild to severe illness.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus was first identified during an outbreak in China and has since spread to many other countries, including the United States.

The West Allis Health department works closely with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to monitor the outbreak and is prepared to respond as needed.  We are ready to implement public health recommendations in cooperation with local medical providers, schools and other community partners.

covid-19 local testing

Milwaukee County has free COVID-19 testing for anyone, regardless of symptoms. Drive-thru or walk-up. No appointment needed.

Click here for more information on COVID-19 testing sites.

SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 INCLUDE:

  • Fever, defined as a measured temperature greater than 100.4°F
  • Subjective fever, for example if a person feels unusually warm to the touch, or reports sensations similar to previous experiences of fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Chills or rigors (repetitive shaking chills)
  • Muscle aches (myalgia)
  • New loss of taste or smell

WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE THESE SYMPTOMS?

Stay at home and call your healthcare provider if you feel sick with a fever, cough, or have difficulty breathing AND have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, or if you live in or have recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19.  Calling ahead allows healthcare facilities to prepare ahead for effectively helping you while protecting others from COVID-19.

Your healthcare provider will work with public health and CDC to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19. We do not provide testing for COVID-19 at West Allis Health Department. Contact your healthcare provider to discuss your risk level and they will determine if testing is appropriate.

Your Guide to Masks

Masks are required for all people, vaccinated or not, on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. Travelers are not required to wear a mask in outdoor areas of a conveyance (like on a ferry or the top deck of a bus). CDC recommends that travelers who are not fully vaccinated continue to wear a mask and maintain physical distance when traveling.

  1. If you are not fully vaccinated and aged 2 or older, you should wear a mask in indoor public places. In general, you do not need to wear a mask in outdoor settings. In areas with high numbers of COVID-19 cases, consider wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated.
  2. If you are fully vaccinated and have a condition or are taking medications that weaken your immune system, you may need to keep taking steps to protect yourself, like wearing a mask. Talk to your healthcare provider about steps you can take to manage your health and risks.
  3. If you are fully vaccinated, you can resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic. Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.

For more information on wearing masks visit the CDC resource, Your Guide to Masks.

ADDITIONAL COVID-19 RESOURCES:

Information for Specific Audiences

STAY HEALTHY BY TAKING THESE PREVENTIVE ACTIONS

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Avoid touching your eyes nose and mouth
  • Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze with a tissue, sleeve or your arm
  • Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and  surfaces
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Guide to disinfecting your home
  • Wear a mask or face covering if you are not vaccinated
  • Get vaccinated

If you have any questions regarding COVID-19, please contact the Health Department at 414-302-8600 or email us at health@westalliswi.gov.

IS THE CORONAVIRUS IN WEST ALLIS?

Yes, West Allis is experiencing community spread of the virus. View the Latest News tab on this page for the most recent reports of cases in West Allis.

Interested in seeing weekly updates from weeks prior?  Find them all on the Public Health Publications webpage.