Wisconsin officials urge increased precautions against COVID-19

MADISON (WLUK) -- Rising numbers of COVID-19 cases have Wisconsin health officials calling on people to take increased precautions to limit the spread of the virus.

New cases have been increasing steadily since late March. On March 24, the seven-day average stood at 316 cases. As of last Sunday, that number had risen to 2,193.

The state Department of Health Services urges Wisconsin residents to:

• Know the COVID-19 Community Level where you live or are traveling to and follow the associated guidelines.
• Stay up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines by getting all recommended vaccines and booster doses.
• Get tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms or were exposed to someone with COVID-19.
• Stay home if you are sick or test positive for COVID-19, and talk to a health care provider or visit a community clinic to ask about available treatments.

New cases continued to rise over the weekend. DHS reported 1,563 new cases on Saturday and 1,168 on Sunday. The seven-day average rose to its highest level since Feb. 10.

Seven-day average test positivity rose stood at 13.9%.

No deaths were reported on Sunday. The seven-day average fell to two.

Since the pandemic began, Wisconsin had reported more than 1.4 million cases and 12,957 deaths.

As of Monday, 64.4% of state residents had received at least one dose of vaccine, 61.1% had completed the initial vaccine series and 34.3% had received an additional or booster dose.

Hospitalizations reached their highest levels since March 6. The Wisconsin Hospital Association reported treating 397 COVID-19 patients, 39 more than on Sunday and 109 more than a week earlier. Of those, 44 were in intensive care, up one in a day and four over a week.

Northeast region hospitals had 37 COVID-19 patients, a one-day increase of eight and a one-week increase of 16. Of those, three were in ICUs, down one in a day and half the number of a week earlier. In the Fox Valley region, there were 22 COVID-19 patients, the same as on Sunday and six more than a week earlier. Two of those were in ICUs, twice the number as on Sunday but half the number of a week earlier.