COVID-19 in Wisconsin: 1 new death reported after 120 reported Saturday

(FOX 9) - The state of Wisconsin reported just 1 new death and 1,606 new COVID-19 cases Sunday, just one day after reporting more than 120 deaths.

The 7-day death increase average is now 42 as of Sunday. 5,451 Wisconsinites have died from COVID-19 during the pandemic.

The 7-day case increase average in the state of Wisconsin as of Jan. 17, 2021. (Wisconsin Department of Health Services)

Downward trends can be seen in both the 7-day test positivity rate (24.9 percent) and the 7-day case increase average (2,129).

In hospitals, 83 percent of COVID-19 beds are full as of Sunday, leaving 1,912 open. 24 percent of Wisconsin's COVID-19 hospitalizations are in ICU.

The pandemic so far

The state of Wisconsin said it has discovered a COVID-19 variant in a patient. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the strain, referred to as B.1.1.7, was identified in a Wisconsin patient Jan. 12.

COVID-19 infections can often go undetected and be asymptomatic; laboratory-confirmed tests only represent a fraction of actual COVID-19 cases. A study from the Journal of the American Medical Association estimated that actual cases in some instances were six to 24 times greater than reported cases.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers announced an indoor mask mandate for people over the age of 5, which he extended. Face coverings while indoors except at a private residence have been required since Aug. 1.

Evers extended the state's stay-at-home order until May 26, but on May 13, the state Supreme Court blocked the extension, effectively opening all establishments in the state. Hours later, images emerged of packed bars across the state, leading the Governor to call his state "The Wild West." Evers' original "Safer at Home" order went into effect on March 25. In October, a judge did however allow Evers' mask mandate to remain in effect.

On April 4, President Donald Trump approved a disaster declaration for Wisconsin due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This declaration allows for federal funding to be allocated to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations that were impacted by the virus.

For more information, go to the state health department's website.

Tips on washing your hands to reduce spreading germs

Amid the coronavirus outbreak, health officials are advising people to be sure to wash your hands. Follow these tips to help reduce the spread.

If you have questions or immediate needs related to COVID-19, you can Text COVID19 to 211-211, visit 211Wisconsin.org or call 211. Call volumes are high, so officials are asking people to be patient and try to use the text or online options first.

If you are experiencing signs and symptoms of COVID-19, health officials advise you to call your health care provider.