The percentage of coronavirus tests coming back positive remained above 10 percent for the second consecutive day, an ominous sign for the spread of the virus in Wisconsin. The state Department of Health Services reported 522 new cases of coronoavirus out of a total 4,996 reported tests. Today’s new numbers bring the statewide total to 31,577. Of those, nearly 5,900 remain active — up from yesterday’s 5,800.
There were no new deaths today, leaving the total death toll at 796.
The largest local increase was in Milwaukee County, with 150 new cases and 13.6 percent of tests coming back positive. Dane County also saw a continued increase in cases with 83 new positive tests.
Several other counties saw double-digit increases and high positive test rates, including:
Brown County: 21 new cases, 7.6 percent positive tests
Outagamie County: 16 new cases, 8.4 percent positive tests
Portage County: 11 new cases, 13.75 percent positive tests
Rock County: 21 new cases, 12.5 percent positive tests
Waukesha County: 62 new cases, 22.8 percent positive tests
Hospitalizations statewide rose slightly to 244, nine more than yesterday but seven fewer than a week ago. Of those currently hospitalized for COVID-19, 65 require intensive care. Additionally, 129 people are hospitalized and awaiting test results.
The rate of disparity in Latino populations continues to stand out. Thirty percent of total cases are now Latino people, including 17.25 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. Today, they make up 12.3 percent of new cases. 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 2.7 percent have died.
