MILWAUKEE — As trick-or-treating plans are being set in southeast Wisconsin, the City of Milwaukee's interim health commissioner is warning against gathering with others during a spike in COVID-19 cases.
"If you’re in a group of 10 or more, there is a possibility that one of those individuals has COVID-19. And so it’s not safe to go to the fish fry, it’s not safe to go trick or treating, it’s not safe to go to the Halloween party, whether it’s 10 people or 50 people," said Marlaina Jackson.
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Wisconsin has reported a record-breaking week of new coronavirus cases, including the highest number of new cases reported in a single day, more than 5,200 on Oct. 27.
In Milwaukee County, more than 40,000 cases were reported as of Oct. 28.
On Thursday,the city's latest COVID-19 restrictions went into effect, placing additional restrictions on gatherings. The order has now capped public gatherings at 25 percent of a location's total capacity and requires a maximum number of 10 people allowed in an indoor location or 25 people in an outdoor location, not including employees.
"The city is at a 12 percent positivity rate for community spread," said Jackson. "We have not seen numbers like that since our earlier peak in the summer, earlier in May."
When asked if the city would consider completely shutting down indoor dining at restaurants and bars, Jackson said it was a possibility.
"It is absolutely a possibility. We are continuing to watch our positivity numbers, we're continuing to watch our gating criteria," said Jackson.
To read the revised order for the city, click here.
The city of Milwaukee canceled times for trick or treating, but area towns, villages and cities are still planning on participating. Click here for a full list.