Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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.

1/13/2021 COVID-19 Weekly Update

1_13 COVID

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.

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.

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
  • CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the coronavirus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.
    Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
    The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.

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