Quick Facts
Open AllClose All What is Coronavirus or COVID-19?
On Feb. 11, 2020 the World Health Organization announced an official name for the disease that is causing the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak, first identified in Wuhan China. The new name of this disease is coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated as COVID-19.
When should I get tested?
If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, stay home and call your healthcare provider. If you do not have a healthcare provider, call 2-1-1 or visit TestUpMKE.com to find the nearest testing center. Older patients and individuals who have severe underlying medical conditions or are immunocompromised should contact their healthcare provider early, even if their illness is mild. If you have severe symptoms, such as persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips or face, contact your healthcare provider or emergency room and seek care immediately. For the latest information on testing in Milwaukee County, visit TestUpMKE.com.
What if my home isn’t safe?
During the COVID-19 crisis, if you do not feel safe at home because of abuse or neglect, help is available. Call 2-1-1 to get connected to someone who can help or click here to find resources.
What is social distancing?
Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home. To practice social or physical distancing:
- Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people
- Do not gather in groups
- Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings
Keeping space between you and others is one of the best tools we have to avoid being exposed to this virus and slowing its spread locally and across the country and world.
Limit close contact with others outside your household in indoor and outdoor spaces. Since people can spread the virus before they know they are sick, it is important to stay away from others when possible, even if you—or they—have no symptoms. Social distancing is especially important for people who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
Child Support Services
The Child Support Services office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for payments and for scheduled appointments only. To schedule an appointment or for case information, call (414) 615-2593.
Housing Division, 600 W. Walnut St.
The Milwaukee County Housing Division is closed. Workers are working offsite and will be available by phone. If you are receiving rental assistance through Milwaukee County, there will not be a disruption in rent payments. For additional information, contact the Housing Division staff member who is assigned to your case. Individuals in need of shelter can call 2-1-1.
Department on Aging
For updates on the status of Senior Centers, Aging Resource Center and Meals on Wheels, click here.
For additional resources, call our Aging Resource Call Center at (414) 289-6874 if you need assistance. Aging Resource Center staff are conducting their appointments over the phone.
Parks
When visiting Milwaukee County Parks and trails, please follow the latest CDC guidelines, such as wearing masks for everyone except children under two, keep six feet from others and avoid crowded parks. View the full list of Parks facilities closures.
County Board
The Offices of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors are not open to the public.
County Executive
The Offices of the County Executive are not open to the public. Staff can be reached at (414) 278-4211.
Treasurer
The Treasurer's office has suspended all counter service for the public, but is open to employees who need to conduct official business. Staff can be reached at (414) 278-4033.
County Clerk
Except for service of legal documents and claims against Milwaukee County, an appointment is required for services. Please call the Office of the County Clerk at (414) 278-4067 to schedule your appointment.
Register of Deeds
The Register of Deeds office is closed to the public. The office is processing vital records requests via mail, email, fax or electronically.
Department of Administrative Services
All Department of Administrative Services offices are closed to the public. Staff is working virtually.
Human Resources
The Department of Human Resources is open to our customers via videoconference or in person by appointment only until further notice. Department of Human Resources staff are available to assist customers via telephone and email Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. To speak to someone or to make an appointment, call (414) 278-4143.
Courts
Milwaukee County Circuit Court system jury trials have resumed. Working closely with public health consultants, Milwaukee County redesigned two courtrooms to ensure adherence to CDC guidelines, keeping the health and safety of staff, jurors, attorneys, litigants and the public as our top priority. Learn more.
Transit, 1942 N. 17th St.
Administrative office is closed to visitors. More updates here: www.ridemcts.com/coronavirus
Mitchell International Airport
For the latest information regarding Mitchell International Airport hours and policies, click here.
Zoo
As part of the Zoo’s transitional reopening, for the safety of our visitors, staff and animals, the outdoor habitats are open, along with a limited number of animal buildings open at a 25 percent capacity. Check out these FAQs for complete information on closures.
Medical Examiner
Offices are in operation, but the facility is closed to the public.
Behavioral Health Division, 9455 Watertown Plank Rd.
Front door and loading dock, closed to the public, but open for essential services. Psychiatric Crisis Services - Emergency Room - Circle Drive Entrance is open. View map.
Marcia P. Coggs Building, 1220 W. Vliet St.
Closed to the public. State Department of Health Services will serve individuals experiencing homelessness with EBT cards and document scanning from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. only. Access to the building is restricted to the Vliet Street entrance.
Vel R. Phillips Youth and Family Justice Center
Open to the public. Visitation limited. View map.
House of Correction
The House of Correction is offering video visitations only.
Milwaukee County Jail
The Milwaukee County Jail is offering video, onsite and offsite visitation. Learn more.
Youth Detention Center
Personal and professional visits are suspended but being done telephonically. Learn more.
Sheriff's Office
In-person traffic desk functions and in-person civil process functions are closed until further notice. Online services are available. Sheriff sales have resumed and are now taking place at the Peck Welcome Center at the Milwaukee County Zoo.
Veteran's Service Office, 6419 W. Greenfield Ave.
The Veteran’s Service Office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. No appointment is necessary.
County Health and Safety Practices During the Pandemic
COVID-19 Health Screening Policies and Procedures Administrative Order 20-17v3 (Effective 12/1/2020)
This Administrative Order defines circumstances when individuals should be screened for COVID-19 Symptoms and Exposures and establishes procedures for conducting such screening.
Visitor Health Screening Questionnaire
Manager's Guide
Screening Log
Screening Questionnaire
Frequently Asked Questions
Universal Face Mask Policy and Procedure Administrative Order 20-14v3 (Effective 10/19/2020)
This order outlines expectations for all Milwaukee County employees, contractors, vendors, volunteers, service users, visitors, the general public and all others entering or working in Milwaukee County facilities and grounds to wear a face mask.
Social Distancing Administrative Order 20-4v1 (Effective 3/16/2020)
This order provides guidelines for social distancing in the workplace for employees who are not able to telework because of the nature of their work or an equipment barrier to teleworking.
Responding to Confirmed Cases, Symptoms and Exposure to COVID-19 Administrative Order 20-7v4 (12/1/2020)
This administrative order provides guidance to follow when responding to individuals with confirmed cases, with symptoms, and with exposure through close contact with COVID-19.
Critical Infrastructure Employees Guide
Confirmed Cases Guide
Symptoms Guide
Exposure Guide
Manager's Guide
Uses and Priority of Face Masks and Respirators (4/23/2020)
This order provides countywide guidance for how priority of supply will be determined by the County Emergency Operations Center, as administered by the County Wide Procurement Team.
County Work Practices During the Pandemic
Telework Administrative Order 20-3v1 (Effective 6/30/2020)
This order addresses employee travel while on County business and employee personal travel. In general it follows recommendations from the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for travel inside and outside the United States. Version 3 of Administrative Order 20-2v2 has been materially updated with regard to quarantine expectations for employees who travel.
2021 Expanded Paid Sick Leave Administrative Order 21-1v1 (Effective 1/1/21)
Effective January 1, 2021, Milwaukee County employees will have access to a new Expanded Paid Sick Leave (EPSL) Bank to cover time off of work due to COVID-19-related quarantine or illness. The new bank is designed to keep our employees and those we serve safe by allowing employees to stay home when they need to quarantine or are ill because of COVID-19.
Travel Administrative Order 20-2v4 (Effective 12/14/2020)
This order addresses employee travel while on County business and employee personal travel. In general it follows recommendations from the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for travel inside and outside the United States.
Travel FAQ
COVID-19 Risk Recognition Pay Administrative Order 20-16v5 (Effective 1/1/2021)
Milwaukee County recognizes that certain employees are likely to perform job duties that involve high or very high occupational exposure risks to COVID-19. Accordingly, Milwaukee County will provide additional compensation in the form of Risk Recognition Pay (RRP) to employees for time spent performing job duties that fall into the High Exposure Risk or Very High Exposure Risk categories (see Section I for definitions).
RRP FAQ
County Operations During the Pandemic
Service Risk and Re-Opening Requirements Administrative Order 20-13v5 (Effective 11/17/2020)
This order establishes the Minimum Requirements for operational risk mitigation and reopening standards, as well as the governance for reopening planning and service opening decisions.
Reopening Planning Template
Fiscal Actions Administrative Order 20-9v3 (Effective 9/29/2020)
This order outlines fiscal actions necessary for Milwaukee County to serve the community.
Contracting Procedures During COVID-19 Public Health Crisis Administrative Order 20-11v1 (Effective 4/10/2020)
This order provides guidance to ensure that financial resources are preserved for public health and mission critical functions, to ensure that vendors working on behalf of the County are following current pandemic-related risk management practices, and to prepare for reopening of all government services.
Contracting FAQ
Milwaukee County Outdoor Sports Guidance (Effective 9/21/2020)
This document provides guidance for any organization, group or league wanting to participate in outdoor sports on Milwaukee County playing fields and spaces.
State and County Proclamations About the Pandemic
Governor's Executive Order Declaring a Health Emergency in Response to the COVID-19 Coronavirus
On March 12, 2020 Governor Tony Evers issued a proclamation declaring a state public health emergency due to COVID-19.
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele Issues Proclamation About COVID-19
On March 13, Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele issued a proclamation declaring a local public health emergency due to COVID-19.
Milwaukee County Administrative Orders
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