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Wisconsin takes a step in the right direction as rate of new cases drops

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Gov. Tony Evers addresses the media on Wednesday, April 29.

For the third time in four days, the percentage of coronavirus tests that come back positive has dropped — this time to 6.95 percent.

According to state and county health data, 271 people were confirmed to be infected with novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours, bringing the statewide total to 6,603.

Additionally, eight people have died of COVID19 in the past 24 hours, bringing the statewide death toll to 308.

With more than 3,300 tests being processed since Tuesday, positive tests represented less than seven percent of total tests for the first time since the state began reporting that percentage just over two weeks ago. Today’s rate of 6.95 percent is down from 8.55 percent yesterday. The total rate of positive tests since the beginning of the crisis is now down to 8.91 percent, its lowest rate since the state began reporting those rates.

If those rates continue to go down for 14 days, along with downward movement in other indicators, the first phase of the governor’s “Badger Bounce Back” plan could go into effect, allowing restaurants to open at half capacity and allowing some gatherings of more than 10 people.

Other indicators that state health officials say need to go down for 14 days are reports of COVID-like and flu-like symptoms. Neither of those has been on a downward trajectory for 14 days yet, either.