DHS reports 1,046 cases, highest since Feb. 11
More than 2 million Wisconsin residents have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine as of Thursday as the state recorded the highest one-day new case count since Feb 11.
The state’s health department reported 1,046 new cases Thursday, the first time more than 1,000 cases were reported in a day in nearly two months. The seven-day average also increased to 733 cases, the highest level since Feb 16.
“We must recommit to stopping the spread. Getting vaccinated is a key tool, and so is wearing a mask, washing your hands and physical distancing,” said Julie Willems Van Dijk, deputy secretary of the state Department of Health Services.
“The answer to getting through to the other side of this pandemic is not vaccine or masks, it’s vaccine and masks.”
Children, in part, continue to fuel this recent jump in cases. Nearly 250 residents under the age of 18 have tested positive for COVID-19 so far this week, more than any other age group.
Hospitalizations are up slightly as there are 286 patients in hospitals now, up 31 patients from a month ago. Willems Van Dijk said although we are seeing a subtle increase it’s not clear that it represents another surge.
“You don’t want to see a rise in hospitalizations to know you have an issue,” Willems Van Dijk added.
State health officials anticipate a limited supply of the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine in the coming weeks.
Milwaukee County buses to raise passenger limit to 20 starting Monday
A total of 20 passengers will be allowed on Milwaukee County Transit System buses starting Monday.
The increase from the 15-passenger limit that has long been in place during the coronavirus pandemic is coming as more residents get vaccinated, County Executive David Crowley said.
It also aligns with phased reopening plans and relaxed restrictions from health officials, he said.
In normal times, 35 to 42 passengers can ride a Milwaukee County Transit System bus at any given time, according to the county. That means even with 20 passengers there will be sufficient space to socially distance.
Latest COVID-19 numbers
New cases reported: 1,046
New deaths reported: 14 Number hospitalized: 286 (intensive care: 80); up 31 patients from one month ago
Seven-day average of daily cases: 733 (up 362 cases from one month ago)
Seven-day average of daily deaths: 6 (down 4 from one month ago)
Seven-day average positivity rate — as a share of all tests given: 3.7%
Total cases since the start of pandemic: 582,843 (8,187 active cases)
Total deaths: 6,667
Latest vaccine numbers
Total doses administered:
3,286,594
Daily doses administered: 68,076 Wisconsin residents with at least one dose: 2,038,670 (35% of the population)
Residents who are fully vaccinated: 1,276,478 (21.9% of the population)
Residents 65 and older with at least one dose: 788,245 (77.5% of 65+ population)