Wisconsin Coronavirus: More Than 3,000 Confirmed Cases

MADISON, WI —The spread of the new coronavirus across Wisconsin continues on a daily basis, including in counties that until now, had not reported confirmed cases, according to the latest information from state health officials. The statewide total of positive tests grew to 3,068 on Friday, which represents an increase of 183 new cases. Statewide, 128 people have died from the virus, including two in Brown and Grant counties, which until Friday, had not reported any deaths.

In addition to the growing number of confirmed cases, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced that 33,225 people have tested negative for the virus while 904 people remain hospitalized, an increase of 61 from Thursday. Of the total number of confirmed cases, 29 percent are being treated in hospitals.

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Department of Health Secretary Designee Andrea Palm said Friday that the state is reporting details in its data that includes ethnicity and race. As is the case across the country, Palm reported that the pandemic is hitting the African American community especially hard. While the virus can be transmitted to anyone, those in communities that have been under-served through limited access to affordable health care are among the most vulnerable.

"COVID-19 is making more visible the health disparities that already exist in our state," Palm said. "We must work to end those disparities."

As hospitals across the state continue to see their capacities tested as the number of confirmed cases continues to surge, Gov. Tony Evers reaffirmed plans on Friday for the state to provide as much support as possible to health care professionals across Wisconsin.

“Our top priority is to assure there are enough resources to care for the growing number of people who require hospitalization or other healthcare interventions because of this pandemic,” Evers said during his daily media briefing on Friday, urging residents with backgrounds in healthcare to volunteer as more medical services are needed.

On Thursday, Evers announced that the Army Corps of Engineers has begun mobilizing an alternative care facility at the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds exposition center. Evers said Friday the facility will be a critical addition to the southeastern part of the state and will be essential that the state’s existing healthcare facilities and hospitals are not overwhelmed.

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