The percentage of coronavirus tests coming back positive today rose again this week to 4.3 percent as 446 new cases were reported Wednesday with both Dane and Milwaukee’s most up to date numbers. This brings the statewide total to 25,811. Of those, 4,881 remain active — up form yesterday’s 4,725. As recently as three weeks ago, more than 6,300 cases were considered active.
Deaths also increased today to 757 and was also spread throughout the state. Brown, Kenosha, Racine and Washington Counties all had a death while Milwaukee experienced 4 additional deaths. One death yesterday attribute to COVID-19 in Waukesha County was miscounted.
The largest local increase in new cases today comes from Milwaukee County, with 144 new cases and 10.02 percent of tests coming back positive.
Today’s new cases also saw a jump for Dane County – with its largest day total of 71 new positives since the onset of the pandemic. The counties with double-digit increases include:
Brown County: 41 new cases, 6.78 percent positive tests
Dane County: 71 new cases, 12.31 percent positive tests
Kenosha County: 12 new cases, 4.36 percent positive tests
La Crosse: 22 new cases, 7.21 percent positive tests
Rock County: 16 new cases, 4.13 percent positive tests Walworth: 13 new cases, 6.50 percent positive tests
Waukesha County: 36 new cases, 3.47 percent positive tests Winnebago County: 36 new cases, 2.88 percent positive tests
Hospitalizations statewide are down to 239, one less more than yesterday. Of those currently hospitalized for COVID-19, 89 require intensive care. Additionally, 160 people are hospitalized and awaiting test results — an increase of 18 from yesterday.
The rate of disparity in Latino populations continues to stand out — 32.1 percent of total cases are now Latino people, and 35 percent of today’s new cases. Latinos make up just seven percent of the state’s overall population.
Similarly, 18 percent of all cases are Black people, as are 24 percent of total COVID-19 related deaths in the state. Black people make up just six percent of the state’s population.
DHS also reports that 79 percent of those confirmed to have been infected have recovered and three percent have died.
