Wisconsin COVID-19 deaths cross 1000 landmark

Today's COVID-19 numbers reported by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services show 1006 deaths from COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic. Although the rate of deaths has varied somewhat over the last five months and for some time the rate of increase slowed, the general trend has not gotten under control throughout the entire period. Since early July, the average number of deaths and the seven-day average of new cases have been increasing.

“Even one death from COVID-19 is one too many,” said Gov. Evers. “To all the Wisconsinites dealing with the loss of a family member, a friend, a coworker, or a neighbor, I express my deepest condolences. Know that our hearts and thoughts are with you, and we are going to continue doing everything we can to fight this virus that has already taken the lives of so many across our state.”

On July 9th the seven-day average was only two deaths reported per day, but nearly one month later the seven-day average was eight deaths reported per day. Out of Wisconsin’s 72 counties, 52 have reported at least one COVID-19 death. Dunn County is one of the few counties in the state that has had no deaths.

Data also show the disproportionate impact that COVID-19 has on communities of color. While Black people make up only 7% of Wisconsin's population, 21% of COVID-19 deaths in Wisconsin are among Black individuals. Many factors impact health outcomes such as employment, income, housing, education, and accessibility of quality healthcare services. These factors are the social determinants of health and have played a role in the higher rates of COVID-19 infections and deaths among historically marginalized populations, especially Black, Latinx, and Indigenous individuals. Compared to White Wisconsinites, the infection rate is over five times higher for Hispanic Wisconsinites and the death rate is over four times higher for Black Wisconsinites. 

“COVID-19 is present in every corner of Wisconsin, and it is up to each of us to do our part to stop the spread,” said Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Secretary-designee Andrea Palm. “Boxing in the virus will help prevent deaths, and that means following best public health practices: staying home, wearing a cloth face covering or mask, practicing physical distancing, and washing your hands thoroughly.”