Wisconsin sees another jump in COVID-19 cases as more testing is available
(FOX 9) - For the second day in a row, Wisconsin has reported its largest single-day increase of new COVID-19 cases as the state begins to ratchet up testing.
With 331 new cases reported Saturday, the state has now had 5,687 people test positive for coronavirus and 266 deaths from COVID-19.
Of the confirmed cases, 24 percent (1,376 patients) have required hospitalization.
The jumps in new cases come as health officials say Wisconsin now has the capacity to perform nearly 11,000 tests per day, almost triple the capacity available just two weeks ago.
Monday, Gov. Tony Evers announced the state's re-opening plan, called the Badger Bounce Back.
Last week, Evers extended the state's stay-at-home order until May 26. In addition, Wisconsin and five other states announced a regional pact to reopen the economy.
Wisconsin ordered all of its State Parks, forests and recreation areas closed April 9.
The state's first deaths were reported on March 19.
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.
On March 24, Evers directed the Department of Health Services to issue a "Safer At Home" order that prohibits all nonessential travel in the state, with some exceptions.
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Wisconsin 'Safer at Home' order: What's open, what's closed and what you're allowed to leave your house for
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers on Tuesday directed the Department of Health Services to issue a “Safer at Home” order that prohibits all nonessential travel in the state, with some exceptions.
The order, which affects more than 5 million people, went into effect at 8 a.m. Wednesday, March 25 and will remain in effect until April 24 or until a superseding order is issued. That means schools, bars, restaurants, salons, museums, fitness centers and other businesses that have already been closed for the last week will remain closed until then.
Similar to Minnesota, Wisconsin health officials say they are prioritizing testing for COVID-19 due to a shortage of ingredients needed to run the tests.
RELATED: Minnesota Dept. of Health narrowing testing criteria amid national shortage of COVID-19 tests
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.