Confirmed Wisconsin Coronavirus Now at 1,351, 20 Deaths

MADISON, WI — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases statewide jumped by more than 100 on Tuesday as the global pandemic continues to impact Wisconsin residents. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced that the statewide count of cases now sits at 1,351 – up by 130 from Monday. So far, 20 Wisconsin residents have died, according to state health officials.

The largest number of cases continue to be found in Milwaukee County, where 674 confirmed cases have been reported along with six deaths, data on the Department of Heath Services website indicated. Dane County (194) and Waukesha County (105) are the only two counties in the state with more than 100 confirmed cases. State health officials also announced on Tuesday that 17,375 people have tested negative for coronavirus statewide.

On Tuesday, Waukesha County announced its first death as local officials announced that an 85-year-old Pewaukee woman had died from coronavirus.

The number of confirmed cases grew by at least 100 for the seventh straight day and came on the day when Gov. Tony Evers sent a letter to President Donald Trump requesting that the White House issue a major disaster declaration for Wisconsin’s 72 counties and the state’s federally recognized tribes.

"The response to this virus has required a tremendous response from the state and all of its communities that far exceeds the resources currently available to us," Evers said in a new release issued by his office on Tuesday. "By seeking this declaration, we are hopeful the state will be able to access critical programs that are needed to deal with the pandemic now, and with the recovery that will be taking place down the road."

Two more Dane County Deputies test positive

The Dane County Sheriff’s Department announced on its Facebook page that two more deputies have tested positive for coronavirus. The men, ages 27 and 46, are both quarantined at home. To date, 11 deputies have been tested, four have tested positive, five have tested negative and the remaining two are awaiting test results.

According to the release, It appears the common thread is both the deputies and inmates who have tested positive, were either housed or working on levels 6 West and 7 West of the City-County Building. The first inmate to test positive has been released from the jail. The second inmate to test positive remains in quarantine in a segregation cell of the jail. He is currently symptom-free. At this time, no additional inmates are exhibiting symptoms.

Evers announces voluntary self-isolation sites

Evers announced on Tuesday that Wisconsin residents who are exhibiting possible coronavirus symptoms but do not require hospitalization may voluntarily self-isolate at either the Lowell Center in Madison or at a Super 8 in Milwaukee.

According to Wisconsin Public Radio, the shelters are open to people with suspected or confirmed cases, and they must be referred by a medical professional or public health official. Their quarantines are expected to last 14 days, or 72 hours after their last symptoms.

“These voluntary self-isolation sites help respond to the pandemic in two ways," Evers said in a statement on Tuesday. "First, they will provide a valuable resource for those who have mild symptoms of COVID-19, leaving valuable hospital space available for others who need it, and they also provide a safe place for people to stay so they don’t spread COVID-19 to others."