COVID-19 in Wisconsin: 14,396 confirmed cases, 496 deaths to date

There have been more than 14,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Wisconsin since the pandemic began, according to numbers released Friday by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. 

14,396 Wisconsinites have tested positive for the virus and 172,703 have tested negative. 

In total, 2,218 people have been hospitalized with COVID-19, about 16 percent of positive cases. 

Locally, Brown County has the highest rate of infection with 838 per 100,000 people. Milwaukee County has the highest number of infections (5,556) and deaths (270). 

Gov. Tony Evers extended the state's stay-at-home order until May 26, but on May 13, the state Supreme Court blocked the extension, effecively 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. 

On April 4, President Donald Trump approved 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.

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. 

To prevent illness, wash your hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, clean frequently touched surfaces every day and stay home when you are sick.