Wisconsin’s COVID-19 cases continue to rise; 327 dead

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s confirmed coronavirus cases increased by 460 on Friday, the second day in a row of record-high infections, the state Department of Health Services reported.

The spike also marked the second day in a row that positive cases increased as a percentage of overall tests processed. Of the 3,632 tests processed on Thursday, 12.7% were positive. That came after a 10.8% increase the day before. In the day prior to that, the percentage of positive cases had declined.

Gov. Tony Evers’ plan for reopening the state calls for a general 14-day decline in new cases as a percentage of overall tests given. Businesses are pushing Evers to open the state more quickly. The state chamber of commerce has a plan that would allow for all businesses to resume, with some limitations, starting Monday.

To date, 327 people have died from the virus in the state and more than 7,300 have tested positive.