Plain clothes members of the Wisconsin National Guard recently started conducting free COVID-19 testing for central city residents.
The tests are part of an initiative by the state and Gov. Tony Evers to test all of Milwaukee’s African Americans, Latinos, and tribal community members at two locations.
The locations are 5760 W. Capitol Drive in the Midtown Shopping Center, and UMOS at 2701 S. Chase Ave. Both locations will be open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., seven days a week until they are deemed no longer necessary.
African Americans and Latinos account for about half of all coronavirus cases in Wisconsin. African Americans make up only six percent of the state’s total population but account for 21% of the confirmed cases statewide.
Latinos make up less than seven percent of the state’s population, but account for 29% of the COVID-19 cases.
Thirty percent of Wisconsinites who have died after contracting COVID-19 are African American.
“Our African American and Latino residents have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 both at home and where they work,” read a joint statement from members of the Common Council.
“These are often families with essential, front-line workers who put themselves at risk by working difficult jobs (at food plants, restaurants and health care facilities) under challenging circumstances during this pandemic.”
The council members strongly urged African American, Latino and tribal community members—those with or without symptoms—to take advantage of the free COVID-19 testing.—Yvonne Kemp Photos
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