Wisconsin Coronavirus Cases Climb To 6,521 And 308 Deaths

MILWAUKEE, WI — Wisconsin health officials recorded eight new coronavirus-related deaths and more than 200 new cases Tuesday as the state eclipsed the 6,500 mark. The number of deaths from the new coronavirus reached 308 on Wednesday.

State Records Outbreaks, Investigations

State officials said Wisconsin has 187 COVID-19 facility-wide public health investigations and outbreaks in the five public health regions of Wisconsin.

Among the 93 public health investigations in long-term care facilities across Wisconsin, 20 facilities have single confirmed cases and 25 facilities have less than five confirmed cases.

In the state's southeastern region, which includes Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha counties, state officials said they've investigated 59 long-term care facilities, 32 workplaces, 11 group housing facilities, six health care facilities and five other settings.

Officials in their records have not disclosed which facilities they've investigated. Officials said a single COVID-19 case triggers an investigation at long-term facilities. Two or more cases trigger investigations at: group housing facilities, health care facilities, workplaces and other settings.

Top Headlines From Wednesday

Mayfair Mall Opens Some Stores, Restaurants For Curbside Pickup: Mayfair Mall announced that a number of stores and restaurants are now offering curbside pickup. Mayfair Mall closed at 5 p.m. on March 17 amid the coronavirus public health.

Coronavirus Affects 2 Wisconsin Meat Packing Plants

Coronavirus concerns have forced the temporary closures of two Wisconsin meat-packing plants as officials grapple with how to limit its spread in the face of a Presidential directive.

Costco Now Requires Everyone Wear Masks At Wisconsin Stores: Costco, a wholesaler with eight stores in Wisconsin and two nearby in Minnesota, has updated its store policy and now requires all store members and guest to wear a face mask or covering.

Milwaukee Heroes: Help Us Recognize Those Making A Difference: The adage 'not all heroes wear capes' is one that's apparent in society now, more than ever. Countless people are putting themselves in danger by simply showing up to work in essential.

New Emergency Orders Issued

Citing a need to reopen some Wisconsin businesses in a limited fashion, Gov. Tony Evers issued a new emergency order Monday, calling for new freedoms for nonessential businesses to operate amid the coronavirus public health emergency.

"No one wants to reopen our economy as much as I do," Evers said Monday. "This order means that every business across our state can do things like deliveries, mailings, curbside pickup and drop-off, and it's an important step in making sure that while folks are staying safer at home, they can also continue to support small businesses across our state."

Read more about the new order here: Some Wisconsin Businesses Can Reopen Under New Order

The governor's office said the state Department of Natural Resources will reopen 34 state parks and forests on May 1, 2020 under special conditions to help minimize overcrowding, allow for social distancing requirements, and to promote a safe and enjoyable experience for staff and visitors.

"Outdoor recreation is important for both physical and mental health, and I know how important it is to Wisconsinites to get outside and enjoy Wisconsin's natural resources and spring weather," Evers said in a statement released Tuesday morning. "With a few adjustments, like closing one day a week for maintenance and reduced hours of operation, folks should be able to get outside and enjoy our parks safely and respectfully."

Read more about the parks openings here: 34 Wisconsin State Parks To Reopen May 1 Amid Coronavirus

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Wisconsin Coronavirus Cases: By The Numbers

The following data was provided by the Wisconsin Hospital Association via their COVID-19 Situational Awareness Dashboard. All results are current as of 3:30 p.m. on April 28.

Cases

6,521 Total Cases
231 Increase Over Last 24 Hours

Deaths

308 Total Deaths
8 Increase Over Last 24 Hours

Hospital Admissions

350 Total COVID-19 Patients

121 Patients With Pending Tests

227 Intensive Care Unit Patients

Bed Count

Intensive Care Unit

1,420 Total
451 Available

Intermediate Care

817 Total
221 Available

Medical Surgical

7,306 Total
2,000 Available

Negative Flow Isolation Beds

1,989 Total
1,186 Available