MILWAUKEE — As COVID-19 testing lines continue to form across the state, some families are stressing the importance of staying safe amid the spread of the new variant.

One mother in Milwaukee is hoping for and end to the pandemic soon, as she and her son are taking all the steps they can to help achieve that goal.

Michael Toporsh Keidel is an 11-year-old who said he’s just trying to stay safe. He’s been sick with COVID-19 before.

“I really don’t want to get it again,” said Toporsh Keidel. 

With the spread of the new omicron variant, life for him is changing once again, like his schooling. 

“We’re virtual right now,” he said. “I hate virtual.” 

He stopped into the Hyatt Pharmacy in Milwaukee with his mom, Theresa Torporsh, in efforts to help protect themselves against the virus.

Torporsh is a care-taker for her elderly father and says its important to her to keep her son and her entire family safe. 

“I just wanted to protect him,” she said. “He has had no side effects whatsoever his first shot. Today he had his second shot and I'm hoping for the same.”

Torporsh hopes others feel confident vaccinating their children as well.

“I understand the concern of getting the shot and everyone has the right to choose if you want to get it or not,” she said. “However, I wish they would put the fears to the side and get a COVID shot so we can get to end-emic."

At Hyatt Pharamacy lines have formed for days now. Pharmacy President Tamir Kaloti said staff have been working tirelessly through the holidays.

“The virus has been hitting our community hard,” said Kaloti. “We’ve had 500 cars the last couple of days.” 

The lines have picked up even more-so now that they’ve opened their pharmacy for 24-hour drive up testing. 

“Sacrificing time away from their families so others can have time with their own families,” said Kaloti. “I’m very proud of the team here.”

As for Toporsh Keidel, he’s excited for the day he can get back into the classroom and reunite with his friends. 

“I hope this thing goes away, so life can get back to normal finally,” he said.