Wisconsin Shatters Coronavirus Case Record Ahead Of Labor Day

MILWAUKEE, WI — Coronavirus cases spiked Friday in the Wisconsin Department of Health Services daily tally, setting an all-time high to date.

According to the state's report, 1,498 people tested positive for COVID-19 over the last 24 hours in the state. That's nearly 400 more cases than the state's previous high, which was 1,165 positive tests reported on Aug. 8.

Of the 11,702 test results reported on Friday, 12.8 percent came back positive. Friday's positive case percentage more than doubled the state's cumulative positive case percentage of 6.1 percent.

The state now has 79,354 cumulative COVID-19 cases since the first case was reported in February. To date, 70,229 people have recovered from the virus. There are 7,954 people who have active COVID-19 cases. That last figure represents 10 percent of all COVID-19 cases ever reported in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin's positive case percentage has climbed steadily ever since early June — about three weeks after the Wisconsin Supreme Court overturned Gov. Tony Evers Safer At Home order, which restricted public movement, and ordered businesses closed.

As of June 5, the 7-day average positive case percentage stood at 3 percent. That figure climbed to 8.9 percent as of Thursday.

Masks Urged In Wisconsin

Ahead of Labor Day weekend, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services urges Wisconsinites to take precautions to reduce community spread of COVID-19.

“As we celebrate Labor Day, we need to remember that COVID-19 spreads through the air,” said Governor Tony Evers. “So try celebrating with safe activities like a family BBQ or a hike at one of Wisconsin’s beautiful state parks. When you are with someone outside of your household, remember that wearing a face covering protects both you and them.”

In Wisconsin, the 7-day average of positive cases has been steadily declining since it reached the highest average of 930 cases on July 26. Wisconsin’s statewide mask order began Aug. 1.

State officials say contact tracing data suggests that fewer people are staying home with 20 percent of total confirmed cases reporting attending a gathering, party, or meeting up with people outside their homes within two weeks prior to testing positive for COVID-19.

“Even if you are asymptomatic, you can still spread the virus to others, said DHS Secretary-designee Andrea Palm. “Face coverings, along with physical distancing, good hand hygiene, and limiting interactions with people you do not live with are the most effective tools we have to stop the spread.”