Virus in brief: State meets 5 of 6 criteria to begin phased reopening of Wisconsin

By Shereen Siewert

The state now meets five of six criteria set by Gov. Tony Evers to begin a phased reopening of Wisconsin, as fewer than 200 newly confirmed cases of coronavirus were reported for the second straight day.

Fewer than 4 percent of all tests performed were positive for the virus, another encouraging sign, health officials said.

Statewide, 10,611 people have tested positive for COVID-19 including 25 in Marathon County.

Since Monday, 193 positive tests were recorded. There have been 112,748 negative tests, a daily increase of 4,715.

The death toll sits at 418 in Wisconsin, nine more than were reported on Monday, according to DHS.

Tuesday’s 3.9 percent proportion of positive results marked the second straight day of decline, down from 5.1 percent on May 1. A decline in percentage of positive tests is one metric being considered for the “Badger Bounce Back” plan to reopen Wisconsin.

The only remaining red light on the state’s dashboard is a downward trajectory of influenza-like illnesses reported within a 14-day period.

DHS officials estimate 5,371 people have recovered.

Evers’ plan, once all criteria are met, opens Wisconsin’s economy in phases. In phase one, restaurants would be allowed to open as long as they follow best practices.

Laboratory testing capacity has grown exponentially in recent weeks, with 51 labs now performing testing statewide and a daily capacity of 13,795, according to the DHS.

“Testing is key to Wisconsin turning the dial on COVID-19 and reopening the state,” Evers said. “With increased testing, Wisconsin gets a more accurate sense of the spread of the virus.”