Milwaukee Health Department approves reopening plans for ten schools

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The City of Milwaukee Health Department said it has approved reopening plans for ten schools. 

As of Friday, August 21, the health department said it has received 35 plans and will be doing weekly updates on school safety plans to keep the community updated on plans submitted and approved. 

"The City of Milwaukee Health Department acknowledges the decision to open schools is an emotional one for all parties involved," a press release said. 

The schools approved include: Marquette, Wisconsin Lutheran, Pius XI, Yeshiva Elementary, St. Marcus, Divine Savior Holy Angels, Milwaukee Montessori, Cross Trainers Academy, Seton Catholic Schools, St. Sebastian.

The health department said it is continuing to review safety plans for schools and that plans are reviewed and prioritized by the open date. 

Meanwhile, state health officials, along with Governor Tony Evers, provided an update Friday, August 21, on the state's coronavirus cases. They were asked what the numbers are telling them about the mask mandate that went into effect on August 1. 

“One of the things about masks is they do work. There is research now certainly now that tells us they work. But I also think we have to take into account the period of time it takes for infection to show themselves. I think it’s probably just a little bit too early to say anything definitively, but we do certainly anticipate it having a positive effect on our case numbers moving forward," said DHS Secretary-designee Andrea Palm. 

“We are starting to see over the past couple weeks a decline in the number of cases," added Traci DeSalvo, the acting director for the Bureau of Communicable Diseases, "So we really hope that trend is going to continue and we really appreciate everyone in Wisconsin helping us keep those numbers headed in the right direction by wearing their mask."