New case count jumps but increased testing keeps positive rate steady; 42 deaths reported

The state of Wisconsin confirmed 4,378 new coronavirus cases and 42 deaths on Wednesday, bringing the total death toll past 1,745.

More than 17,800 tests were processed Friday, which allowed the seven-day positive test rate to fall slightly to 22.7 percent, down from 23 percent yesterday.

The total number of cases ever confirmed in Wisconsin is now 190,478, of which more than 39,000 — about 21% — are considered active.

Wisconsin has confirmed nearly 88,000 cases in the past four weeks, meaning the total number of cases ever confirmed has increased by 43 percent over that period. Cases in those aged 60-69 increased 51 percent while those aged 70-79 increased 50 percent in those four weeks.

The seven-day average of new cases is now 2,933. The seven-day average of deaths is now 24.4.

The 42 deaths reported today is the second-highest ever reported in a single day, after 48 were reported Wednesday.

The highest local new case count came in Milwaukee County with 805. For the first time ever, every county in Wisconsin reported at least one case today.

All counties’ new case counts are below.