Milwaukee’s health commissioner is trying to clarify reopening guidelines for schools in the city.
Milwaukee Public Schools are starting the year off virtually, while private and charter schools in the city are urging health leaders to allow for in-person learning. They’re unable to do so under the current reopening plan.
City Health Commissioner Jeanette Kowalik say there needs to be standard guidance.
“You’re in our jurisdiction. We don’t see public and private. We see it as schools. That’s how the order was written,” said Kowalik during a news conference Tuesday.
“Just like if you’re doing businesses in the City of Milwaukee, you can have businesses in other jurisdictions, but you’re bound to the regulations…of the jurisdictions where you’re doing business.”
She says the city will be issuing an updated Phase 4 order, named Phase 4.1. It will address schools and link reopening to guidance from the state and CDC.
That order is expected in the coming weeks.
Watch the full news conference below.