The percentage of coronavirus tests coming back positive jumped to 5.7 percent today, up from 4.2 percent the past two days. New cases reported Friday added up to 635, bringing the statewide total to 30,410. Of those, nearly 5,500 remain active — up from yesterday’s 5,400
Additionally, three more people died, including two in Winnebago County and one in Racine County, bringing the death toll in Wisconsin to 789.
The largest local increase was in Milwaukee County, with 227 new cases and 11 percent of tests coming back positive. Dane County also saw a continued increase in cases with 117 new positive tests.
Several other counties saw double-digit increases and high positive test rates, including:
Brown County: 31 new cases, 14.8 percent positive tests
Eau Claire County: 14 new cases, 37.8 percent positive tests
La Crosse County: 16 new cases, 4.9 percent positive tests
Rock County: 15 new cases, 8.7 percent positive tests
Walworth County: 28 new cases, 9.6 percent
Washington County: 16 new cases, 43.2 percent positive tests
Hospitalizations statewide are up slightly to 244, eight more than yesterday but 18 fewer than a week ago. Of those currently hospitalized for COVID-19, 75 require intensive care. Additionally, 138 people are hospitalized and awaiting test results.
The rate of disparity in Latino populations continues to stand out — 30 percent of total cases are now Latino people, and 18 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 79 percent of those confirmed to have been infected have recovered and 2.7 percent have died.
