The percentage of coronavirus tests coming back positive today remained relatively steady at 4.1 percent, down just slightly from 4.3 percent yesterday, as 504 new cases were reported Wednesday with both Dane and Milwaukee’s most up to date numbers. This brings the statewide total to 26,315. Of those, more than 4,900 remain active — up from yesterday’s 4,881. That number is still lower than in the past: as recently as three weeks ago, more than 6,300 cases were considered active.
Deaths also increased today to 768 as nine more people succumbed to COVID19/. Milwaukee county experienced 4 additional deaths.
The largest local increase in new cases today comes from Milwaukee County, with 154 new cases and 7.27 percent of tests coming back positive.
Today’s new cases also saw a jump for Dane County – with its largest one-day total of 105 new positives since the onset of the pandemic. The counties with double-digit increases include:
Brown County: 27 new cases, 9.97 percent positive tests
La Crosse: 27 new cases, 6.85 percent positive tests
Outagamie: 13 new cases, 5.26 percent positive tests
Racine County: 10 new cases, 2.49 percent positive tests
Walworth: 24 new cases, 8.50 percent positive tests
Waukesha County: 13 new cases, 1.86 percent positive tests
Hospitalizations statewide are up slightly to 247, eight more than yesterday and six more than a week ago. Of those currently hospitalized for COVID-19, 94 require intensive care. Additionally, 134 people are hospitalized and awaiting test results.
The rate of disparity in Latino populations continues to stand out — 32 percent of total cases are now Latino people, and 24 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.
