The percentage of coronavirus tests coming back positive rose to 5.57 percent Wednesday with 676 new cases being confirmed, according to state and county health data. Today’s new numbers bring the statewide total to 33,270. Of those, just over 6,000 remain active, up slightly from yesterday.
There were two new deaths reported Tuesday — one in Washington County and one in Waupaca County.
The largest local increase was in Milwaukee County, with 257 new cases and 13.88 percent of tests coming back positive.
Several other counties saw double-digit increases and high positive test rates, including:
Brown County: 16 new cases, 5.5 percent positive tests
Kenosha County: 18 new cases, 90 percent positive tests
Trempeleau County: 18 new cases, 42.86 percent positive tests
Waukesha County: 54 new cases, 6.26 percent positive tests
Hospitalizations statewide fell rose to 274, 20 more than yesterday and 37 more than a week ago. Of those currently hospitalized for COVID-19, 74 require intensive care. Additionally, 150 people are hospitalized and awaiting test results.
The rate of disparity in Latino populations continues to stand out. Twenty-nine percent of total cases are now Latino people, as well as 32 percent of today’s new cases. Latinos make up just seven percent of the state’s overall population.
Similarly, 17 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 just under 79 percent of those confirmed to have been infected have recovered and 2.6 percent have died.
