COVID-19 INFORMATION

CDC RESPIRATORY VIRUS GUIDANCE

CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance

On March 1, 2024, the CDC issued new respiratory virus guidance, for people at lower risk from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV.

 

Preventing spread of respiratory viruses when you're sick:

You can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:

  • Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
  • You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).

When you go back to your normal activities, take added precaution over the next 5 days, such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors.

 

 

PREVENTION STRATEGIES

CDC recommends that all people use core prevention strategies to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. These are important steps you can take to protect yourself and others:

When you may have a respiratory virus:

 

The CDC recommends additional prevention strategies you can choose to further protect yourself and others:

COVID-19 DATA DASHBOARD

COVID-19 TESTING INFORMATION

North Shore Health Department does not provide COVID-19 testing. If you are in need of a COVID-19 test, visit vaccines.gov.

Place your order for free at-home COVID-19 tests
As of late September 2024, residential households in the U.S. are eligible for another order of 4 free at-home tests from USPS.com.

Here's what you need to know about your order:

 

Other options for COVID-19 at-home tests

  • Stop by the NEW NSHD office:
    • Monday - Friday from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
    • 5901 N. Milwaukee River Parkway, Glendale, WI 53209
  • Purchase an at-home test at most local retailers or pharmacies (around $20.00 on average per box (of 2 tests))
  • Visit testinglocator.cdc.gov to find a location that offers no-cost COVID-19 testing near you

Wondering if your at-home COVID-19 tests are still good to use?

The FDA has recently extended the expiration dates for many at-home COVID-19 tests.

  • Before discarding tests you have at-home check the updated expiration dates to ensure you're staying prepared and safe.
  • For more information and to see if your tests are still valid, visit: FDA At-Home OTC COVID-19 Tests

COVID-19 VACCINES

The FDA has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines for 2024-2025. 

Which updated COVID-19 vaccines are available?

The FDA has approved and authorized for emergency use updated COVID-19 vaccines (2024-2025 formula) to provide better protection against COVID-19 caused by circulating variants.

Specifically, FDA has authorized the following for emergency use:

  • Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine (2024-2025 Formula) for individuals 6 months through 11 years of age
  • Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted (2024-2025 Formula) for individuals 12 years of age and older
  • Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (2024-2025 Formula) for individuals 6 months through 11 years of age
  • The following COVID-19 vaccines are approved by FDA:
  • Comirnaty (2024-2025 Formula)
  • Spikevax (2024-2025 Formula)

 

Where can you get vaccinated? 

Check with your health insurance provider to find a doctor, clinic, or pharmacy where vaccines will be available to you, and bring your insurance information to your vaccination appointment. If you do not have health insurance, or your health insurance does not cover vaccines, there are programs that can help, including the Vaccines for Children program and Vaccines for Adults program.

Find COVID-19 vaccine provider near you

Need proof of your recent COVID-19 test for travel purposes? Email wicovidresults@wisconsin.gov or call 866-419-6988 to request your results.

 

Updated 09/26/2024

News

Report COVID at-home test results to help your community: 
makemytestcount.org

You can report negative or positive tests for yourself or any member of your family.

Need proof of your recent COVID-19 test for travel purposes? Email wicovidresults@wisconsin.gov or call 866-419-6988 to request your results.

New COVID-19 Vaccination
Data Dashboard

Tested positive for COVID-19? Treatments are now widely available across Wisconsin.
If you experience symptoms of COVID-19, get tested right away and talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options. Your healthcare provider will review your health history and determine whether any of these treatments are right for you. Click here to learn more about available treatments.

COVID-19 VACCINES AT NSHD

First, Second, Third & Booster Doses available for those eligible. Second boosters available for certain groups as of 3/31/2022.

Call 414-371-2980 to schedule an appointment.

New COVID-19 Mobile Testing Sites Now Open at Ascension
Wisconsin Locations in Milwaukee:
More Information

If you need to get tested for COVID-19, we recommend the following:

Find a free community testing site to see if an appointment or registration is needed.

Check to see if your local pharmacy is offering free community testing.

Check to see if your workplace offers testing.

Contact your doctor and ask if your health care clinic provides testing.

See if your child attends a school that participates in the DHS K-12 School Testing Program. Students, faculty, staff, and in some cases family members at participating schools may be tested at the school for free.

See if your child attends a child care program that has access to DHS testing.

Request a free at-home collection kit from DHS.

Request a free test from the federal government at COVIDTests.gov.

COVID-19 Testing Complaint Process for the Public

People should direct complaints about a COVID-19 testing experience to the DHS Office of Inspector General at 877-865-3432 or online. Examples of complaints could include: incorrect results, missing results, fake results, testing quality, testing site cleanliness, insurance billing, inappropriate fees for tests, testing fraud such as fake test kits, and other related topics.

If you have questions about the complaint process, please email: DHSOIGAdmin@dhs.wisconsin.gov.

CDC Updates and Shortens Recommended Isolation and Quarantine Period for General Population

Media Statement

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services adopted the new shortened isolation and quarantine guidelines yesterday and these updated guidelines will now be followed by the North Shore Health Department.

Have a health concern? Know where to go depending on your needs. Virtual, urgent care, or emergency room. Click Here

HALLOWEEN GUIDANCE

 

There is a difference between a "third dose" and a "booster."

Third doses are intended for only those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised and these individuals are eligible now to receive this third dose, which should be given no sooner than 28 days after the initial two-dose series. Booster shots are set to begin the week of September 20th and these are intended for anyone who has completed a two-dose mRNA vaccine series 8+ months ago.

More information on third doses for immunocompromised:
WI DHS WEBSITE and CDC WEBSITE

Joint Statement from HHS Public Health and Medical Experts on COVID-19 Booster Shots: CLICK HERE

COVID-19 Third Dose Recommendation:

People who are moderately to severely immunocompromised are recommended to get an additional dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) no sooner than 28 days after their initial two-dose mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series.

More information on WI DHS WEBSITE.

Community Level Transmission Update 8/11/21:

The North Shore is continuing to experience HIGH community transmission based on the 7-day case rate (data from 8/4 to 8/10), meaning masks are recommended for everyone in indoor public places.

Milwaukee County is also experiencing HIGH community transmission at this time.

For more information on guidance from the NSHD: NSHD Memo Aligning with CDC: http://ow.ly/bNHc50FFCjP

CDC COVID Data Tracker: http://ow.ly/H86T50FFCjN

Updated Mask Recommendations: The North Shore Health Department is aligning with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and recommending that everyone in areas of substantial or high community transmission should wear a mask indoors in public, even if they are fully vaccinated (CDC Website).

NSHD Memo Aligning with CDC

New COVID-19 vaccine data visualizations now available on the

WI DHS WEBSITE


The new maps allow Wisconsinites to view current COVID-19 vaccine data in a variety of different geographic breakdowns. 

Wisconsin DHS Considerations for Gatherings: Click Here

If you choose to attend or host a gathering, consider actions you can take to reduce the spread
of COVID-19.

NSHD Spring & Summer Event Guidance 2021

The Department of Health Services (DHS) moved up vaccine eligibility for Wisconsinites with certain medical conditions to Monday, March 22, 2021.

Beginning March 22, individuals age 16 and older with certain medical conditions that have a greater risk of severe infection from COVID-19 will be eligible. For more information, visit the WI DHS website.

Vaccinations at the Wisconsin Center are now open to all eligible individuals living and working throughout the region. Individuals meeting the eligibility criteria can sign up for vaccination appointments through the health department’s scheduling portal and vaccine information hub at 
milwaukee.gov/covidvax.
People without internet access can schedule appointments by calling 414-286-6800.

COVID-19 Testing at Health Connections: 

March Schedule

February 26th NSHD Vaccine Update:
​Click Here

COVID-19 Testing:

Pre-register Here

 

NSHD Vaccine Update 2/5/21: Click Here

NSHD Vaccine Update 1/29/21: Click Here

NSHD Vaccine Update 1/27/21: Click Here

Health Connections Inc. COVID-19 Testing: 
Mon-Wed & Fri 10am to 4pm, Sat 9am to 1pm. 

Testing is done at East Lake Towers, 4425 N. Port Washington Road, Glendale, WI 53212

All testing is drive thru. No appointment needed, but you must PRE-REGISTER HERE. Find more information on their website.

Vaccine Update 1/25/21: Click Here

We are continuing to vaccinate Phase 1A at this time. We are not currently making appointments for Phase 1B and do not have a waiting list. We will share information about Phase 1B via our email updates list. 

Vaccine Update 1/20/21: Click Here

VACCINE ALERT:
1/13/21

COVID-19 Vaccine Connector Tool: 
www.healthymke.com

Registration is open for organizations and individuals seeking to deliver - and access - Phase 1A vaccinations. You should register at the above link if your organization is a certified COVID-19 vaccinator or you are a Phase 1A organization or individual looking to be vaccinated.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information: Click Here

The North Shore Health Department is aligning with Wisconsin DHS prioritization guidelines and is not currently vaccinating the general public. As additional vaccine supply becomes available, we will provide updates.

Healthy MKE – A Resource for COVID-19 Vaccine Information: healthymke.com

COVID-19: At-Home Collection Kit | Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Wisconsin Exposure Notification app is available starting December 23. WI Exposure Notification is a smartphone app that uses Bluetooth Low Energy technology to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in Wisconsin. Once you activate the app, your phone exchanges anonymous signals with other phones that are near it for at least 15 minutes. If somebody who has the app tests positive for COVID-19, they can then send an alert using the app to the phones with those signals.

WI Exposure Notification FAQ

Milwaukee COVID-19 Testing Sites Holiday Hours

Join Experts from the Medical College of Wisconsin for a Community Briefing Focused on COVID-19 Vaccines

Briefings will include opportunities to ask questions from MCW experts and highlights include safety, distribution planning, what you can expect from the vaccine and community protection.

Register for Friday, Dec. 18, 12:00-12:45 pm: http://ow.ly/mRNh50CPinS 

Register for Monday, Dec. 21, 6:00-6:45 pm: http://ow.ly/qNov50CPinU

MCW COVID-19 Vaccine Website: http://ow.ly/5VhR50CPinT

COVID-19 Testing information in Milwaukee | TestUpMKE

Updated NSHD
Quarantine Options

DHS Announcement on New Options for Reducing Quarantine

Different Types of COVID-19 Tests: PCR, Antigen & Antibody

Diagnostic COVID-19 Testing Explained: PCR & Antigen

Health Connections Glendale COVID-19 Testing: December Hours

Milwaukee Area COVID-19 Community Testing Sites

COVID-19 Testing in Glendale: Click Here

No testing Friday 11/27

IMPORTANT UPDATE for October 30:

The North Shore is moving back into Phase B of our reopening plan.

Phase B Guidelines and Phases Summary Table 

Wisconsin Southeast Region Health Alert & Call to Action 10/29/20:  Do Your Part, Stop the Spread

Walgreens locations offering COVID-19 testing: Testing is offered 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Complete a screening survey at the link provided and choose a Walgreens location to be tested at. 

COVID-19 Testing in Glendale on Tuesdays and Fridays

Where: Health Connections, Inc. 4655 N. Port Washington Rd.

When: Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am to 2pm

This is FREE drive-thru testing. No appointment needed.

Drive-Thru Community Testing Sites:

Miller Park: M-F 11am-6pm

Northwest Health Center: Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri 9am-3pm

PRE-REGISTER for these sites

Tested positive for COVID-19? Help slow the spread by notifying your close contacts of their exposure.

How to notify close contacts

New Statewide 25% Limit on Indoor Gatherings:

Governor Tony Evers today directed the Department of Health Services (DHS) to issue Emergency Order #3 limiting public gatherings to no more than 25 percent of a room or building’s total occupancy. See full the order and list of exemptions here.

This directive is effective at 8 a.m. on Oct. 8, 2020, and will remain in effect until Nov. 6, 2020, and applies to any gatherings at locations that are open to the public such as stores, restaurants, and other businesses that allow public entry, as well as spaces with ticketed events. A frequently asked questions document is available for review here.

Quarantine Guidance from CDC

IMPORTANT: Pre-registration is required.

Monday, Aug. 17 | Noon - 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18 | 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19 | 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Please enter State Fair Park via Gate 9 located at S. 76th Street and W. Pierce Street.

The National Guard will offer 1,000 tests each day. Once 1,000 tests are reached no more will be given that day.

Gov. Evers Issues Executive Order Declaring Public Health Emergency and Requiring Face Coverings Statewide:

Read the full emergency order here.  Press Release here. FAQ here.

Local Face Mask Requirements:

Brown Deer Resolution: Click Here

Glendale Resolution and FAQ: Click Here

Shorewood Ordinance: Click Here

Whitefish Bay Ordinance and FAQ: Click Here

If you were tested at one of the National Guard testing sites and it has been 5+ days and you have not received your results, call the WI COVID-19 Results Line: 866-419-6988.

Testing at Nicolet High School has been extended to next week Monday, July 13 through Wednesday, July 15. People with signs and symptoms or that have had direct exposure to someone with COVID-19 are being prioritized. Sign up here: LINK

State epidemiologist Dr. Westergaard stresses evidence-based prevention strategies for COVID-19, especially physical distancing and mask wearing.

Watch the video here.

Registration for the COVID-19 testing at Nicolet High School Monday, July 6 through Friday, July 10 is full. Continue to check the sign-up page, as people are cancelling and opening up appointments: LINK

After getting tested, follow these guidelines from the WI Department of Health Services on what to do while you wait for your results: Click Here

Visiting friends and family with higher risk for severe illness?

Watch this video from the CDC:

Click Here

The North Shore Health Department and WI National Guard are offering free drive-thru COVID-19 testing at Nicolet High School Monday, July 6 through Friday, July 10. Please register ahead of time at this LINK. 

For daily udpates on COVID-19 in the North Shore, read our Public Briefings released Monday through Friday: Click Here

Milwaukee County COVID-19 Weekly Epi Report for June 17 - 23: Click Here

COVID-19 Testing in Milwaukee Area: Click Here

Testing at Custer Stadium and UMOS will be closed July 2nd - 5th.

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction published Education Forward to guide school districts as they prepare for the 2020-21 school year: Click Here

Deciding to go out - Guidance from the CDC: Click Here

As communities and businesses continue to open up, you may be looking for ways to resume some daily activities as safely as possible. While there is no way to guarantee zero risk of infection, it is important to understand potential risks and take prevention measures to protect yourself and to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Guidance on Mass Gatherings from the NSHD:
 
 

 

UPDATE: The North Shore is now in Phase C of the reopening plan as of 6/12/20.
 
Read the letter on the decision to move to Phase C.
 
See the Phase C detailed guidelines and the chart for information on the new occupancy limits.
 
We highly recommend anyone present at recent protest events monitor their signs and symptoms for COVID-19 for 14 days after they attended an event. If you develops any signs, please get tested for COVID-19 and isolate at home until you know your test results.
 
See the list of MKE testing sites here: www.impactinc.org/impact-2-1-1/testing/

The North Shore remains in Phase B of our reopening plan as of Thursday, June 4th. 

Businesses and organizations should continue to follow Phase B of the North Shore Health Department’s Guidelines for a Safe, Phased Reopening. 

Free COVID-19 drive-thru and walk up testing is now available at Custer Stadium across the street from Barack Obama School of Career and Technical Education: Testing is being done by the Wisconsin National Guard. The address is 4300 W. Fairmount Ave.

Hours: Mon – Thurs  11am to 7pm; Fri– Sat  11am to 5pm; Sunday Closed

COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing: The Ozaukee/Washington Public Health Department and North Shore Health Department COVID-19 Testing at Washington County Fair Park June 1-3 is full. The registration line is now closed. See here for other testing options.

DATCP released guidance for reopening different community establishments:

Reopening Pools & Water Attractions

Reopening Lodging

Reopening Restaurants

These guidelines are to be used alongside the NSHD guidelines as well as other industry specific recommendations.

The North Shore is currently in Phase B of the NSHD reopening plan as of today 5/22/20:

Beginning today, Friday, May 22, the North Shore is in Phase B of our reopening plan. Businesses and organizations should begin to reopen following Phase B of the North Shore Health Department’s Guidelines for a Safe, Phased Reopening. 

Phased Reopening Update (5/19/20):

The current order for the North Shore is set to expire at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2020. No further order will be issued at this time. All remaining businesses will be allowed to open, if they choose to, utilizing the CDC and WEDC’s Safe Business Practices and Physical Distancing and Protective Measures for staff and patrons and following the "Phase B" recommendations. See more information here.

COVID-19 Test Results:

If you were tested for COVID-19 and directed to contact the North Shore Health Department for results, please email us at nshd@nshealthdept.org to request your results. Please include your full name, date of birth and address.

5/11/20: Governor Evers and WI DHS released Emergency Order #36: Interim Order to Turn the Dial: This order allows all standalone or strip-mall based retail stores to offer in-person shopping for up to five customers at a time while maintaining required social distancing practices. Drive-in theaters are also now allowed to operate with some restrictions. The press release can be found here. 

This order has since been retracted.

5/11/20: COVID-19 Testing in Milwaukee: Testing will be offered on Milwaukee's north and south sides -- at the Midtown parking lot near 57th Street and Capitol Drive, and at UMOS on S. Chase Avenue near Rosedale Avenue. Testing will take place between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. seven days a week, and you do not need to make an appointment, and do not need to be showing symptoms to be tested.                 
5/6/20: Waukesha County is opening a drive-thru testing site: Waukesha County Public Health and the Waukesha County Office of Emergency Management are partnering with the Wisconsin National Guard to hold drive-thru testing at the Waukesha County Expo Center. Wisconsin residents that are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 can receive drive-thru testing from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the following days: Saturday, May 9; Monday, May 11; and Tuesday, May 12. You must register in advance to receive testing by calling 262-548-7626. The registration hotline will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Monday, May 6-11. For more information: Waukesha County Press Release



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North Shore Health Department receives feedback and oversight from the North Shore Board of Health. The Board of Health consists of nine members representing each of the seven participating communities. The Board meets at least quarterly.
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