Apr. 3, 2020 2:35p
(WGTD)---The number of new cases of COVID-19 is still rising, but the rate of increase over the last several days isn't, and that's good news, according to Dr. Ryan Westergaard, Chief Medical Officer of the Bureau of Communicable Diseases.
"The fact that we're seeing cases go up by the same amount each day--180, 190--this week is actually very good news," Westergaard said during a briefing in Madison Friday that was chaired by Gov. Evers.
Westergaard said he believes the data is proof that the 'Safer at Home' campaign is working. "We're not out of the woods, but this week taught us a lot about how relatively well things have been going compared to what they would look like if we weren't doing the physical distancing that we recommended."
As of mid-day Friday, according to numbers compiled by the state, Wisconsin recorded 1,196 confirmed cases and 37 deaths, including six new deaths. Three occurred in Milwaukee County, two in Ozaukee County and one in Dane County.
According to county sources, 82 cases have been confirmed in Kenosha County, an increase of five from the day before. Walworth County is reporting 15 cases. Five patients are currently hospitalized while nine have recovered. Racine County is reporting 41 cases.
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