Roughly 500 COVID cases possibly linked to Bucks' title run

Milwaukee Deer District Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK

Roughly 500 COVID-19 cases suspected to be linked to Bucks' championship run

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 8/4/21

Relaxed health and safety protocols related to the COVID-19 pandemic allowed basketball fans and others to gather at Milwaukee Bucks playoff games and outside in the club's "Deer District" during its postseason championship run.

Health officials have identified nearly 500 coronavirus cases statewide that could be linked to the large crowds that gathered in downtown Milwaukee as fans cheered on the Bucks’ run to the NBA championship.pic.twitter.com/sAU1FVAi4T
— Cleavon MD (@Cleavon_MD) August 4, 2021

Officials say 491 people with confirmed or probable cases said they attended the Deer District or Bucks game “during their exposure or infectious periods.” pic.twitter.com/r4cLzsnCgm
— Cleavon MD (@Cleavon_MD) August 4, 2021

According to The Associated Press (h/t ESPN), 491 people deemed confirmed or probable COVID-19 cases could be linked with Milwaukee playoff games. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services does note, however, that it can't be determined how many individuals caught the virus either at the arena or at viewing gatherings.

"We have four times as many people hospitalized with COVID in Wisconsin as we did one month ago, from 74 individuals to 310 today," Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management director of medical services Dr. Ben Weston explained.

As of the first week of August, all 32 NFL teams are operating as if they'll fill stadiums to their capacities throughout the upcoming season. That could change on a club-by-club basis, however, based on local guidelines and recommendations amid rising COVID-19 cases caused by virus variants.

In short, those planning to enjoy football seasons as normal may want to keep expectations realistic over the next month.

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