COVID-19 in Wisconsin: Death, case and test positivity averages all trending down
The 7-day case increase average in the state of Wisconsin. (Wisconsin Department of Health Services)
(FOX 9) - The 7-day averages for new deaths, new cases and COVID-19 test positivity rates are all declining in the state of Wisconsin as of Sunday.
The state says the 7-day averages are the most accurate reflections of the pandemic's trends. As of Sunday, all three are trending down.
The test positivity average is 27.8 Sunday and the death average was down to 48.
The case increase average was 3,513 Sunday, the lowest mark since Oct. 23.
Hospitalizations have remained steady over the last few weeks, with 84 percent of hospital beds ful as of Sunday. 1,759 COVID-19 beds are available. 328 of hospitalizations are ICU patients, or 23 percent.
The pandemic so far
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 until November 21. 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.
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.