COVID-19 in Wisconsin: 7-day average of new positive cases shows downward trend after July surge

(FOX 9) - The state of Wisconsin's 7-day rolling new positive case average appears to be declining, according to new data released Sunday.

Sunday, the 7-day new case average was 674, down from the average of 930 from July 26. After a spike in daily new cases in late July, Wisconsin has seen new reports slowly drop over the past month. Daily case totals have fluctuated greatly, with totals hitting 1,000-plus some days and falling as low as 455 new cases on other days.

7-day rolling average of new positive COVID-19 cases in the state of Wisconsin. (Wisconsin Department of Health Services)

After pushing towards 1,000, the seven-day average for daily new cases has fallen to 674. 453 new cases were reported Sunday.

In addition, no new COVID-19 deaths were reported Sunday, keeping the death total at 1,081.

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 last month an indoor mask mandate for people over the age of 5. Face coverings while indoors except at a private residence are required as of Saturday, 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.

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.

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.