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Wisconsin sets new single-day record for positive COVID-19 tests

CDC drops controversial testing advice that caused backlash
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MADISON, Wis. -- Nearly 3,000 new positive COVID-19 tests were reported by the state Thursday, setting a new single-day record for positive coronavirus cases in Wisconsin.

2,887 positive COVID-19 cases were reported Thursday, according to Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm. That's an increase over the previous single-day record, which was set at 2,817 just last Saturday.

21 deaths were reported Thursday, Palm said. While that number is high, it is not a record. 27 deaths were reported on Wednesday.

Earlier this week, a draft report from the White House Coronavirus Task Force obtained by CNN said Wisconsin is "in the red zone" when it comes to cases, with 101 or more new cases per 100,000 population last week, the 3rd highest rate in the country.

"To the maximal degree possible, increase social distancing mitigation measures until cases decline, including through supporting local authorities to pass and enforce mitigation measures," a recommendation in the report reads.

The report also said Wisconsin has a test positivity rate between 8% and 10%, the seventh highest in the country.

Wisconsin in the 'red zone'

Milwaukee County, Dane County, and Brown County had the highest number of new cases over the last 3 weeks, and they represent 31.7% of all cases in Wisconsin.

There are also 12 cities in the red zone, according to the report. Those cities are:

  • Green Bay
  • Appleton
  • Oshkosh-Neenah
  • La Crosse-Onalaska
  • Fond du Lac
  • Stevens Point
  • Wausau-Weston
  • Manitowoc
  • Shawano
  • Watertown-Fort Atkinson
  • Menomonie
  • Marinette

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Coronavirus in Wisconsin

More data on Wisconsin's vaccination progress here.

Find a vaccination site here.

Check out county-by-county coronavirus case numbers here.

More information: COVID-19 on the Wisconsin DHS website

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