Wisconsin COVID case average declines to lowest level since last spring

MADISON (WLUK) -- COVID-19 metrics in Wisconsin are on a downward trajectory.

The latest daily update from the Department of Health Services showed the seven-day average of new cases at 686, its lowest level since last April 18. There were 743 new cases reported on Wednesday.

Seven-day average test positivity fell to 9%, its lowest level since Nov. 27.

The seven-day average of deaths also declined for a second day in a row, to nine. Eight new deaths were reported on Wednesday.

Since the pandemic began, Wisconsin has reported more than 1.7 million total cases and 14,022 deaths.

Hospitalizations increased slightly, however. The Wisconsin Hospital Association reported treating 566 COVID-19 patients on Wednesday, six more than on Tuesday but 44 fewer than a week earlier. Of those, 84 were in intensive care, up seven in a day and flat over a week.

Northeast region hospitals had 41 COVID-19 patients, one more than on Tuesday but 14 fewer than a week earlier. Of those, six were in ICUs, up one in a day and flat over a week. In the Fox Valley region, there were 31 COVID-19 patients, up two in a day but down seven over a week. Five of those were in ICUs, two more than on Tuesday and the same number as a week earlier.