New confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Wisconsin – WKOW

MADISON (WKOW) -- The Wisconsin Department of Health Services today announced new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin is now seeing community spread of the new coronavirus according to Dr. Ryan Westergaard,chief medical officer of the Bureau of Communicable Diseases.

Community spread of disease is when the virus can no longer be traced to a travel history or exposure to someone known to be infected.

The number of people confirmed to have the coronavirus rose to 46, said Andrea Palm, secretary-designee of the Department of Health Services.

Over 500 people have tested negative. And one person, from Dane County, has already recovered.

(Our entire coronavirus coverage is available here.)

Gov. Tony Evers banned all gatherings of 50 or more people in the state beginning at midnight. The order exempts drug and grocery stores among certain other locations.

"Keeping folks safe and healthy has to be our first priority," said Evers.

There is not enough capacity for testing everyone yet, said Westergaard. For the time being, it can only be done for those showing symptoms.

The new strain of coronavirus causes the disease COVID-19. Symptoms include cough, fever and shortness of breath.

In severe cases, pneumonia can develop. Those most at risk include the elderly, people with heart or lung disease as well as anyone at greater risk of infection.

For most, the virus is mild, presenting similarly to a common cold or the flu.

Anyone who thinks they may have the disease should call ahead to a hospital or clinic before going in for a diagnosis. Doing so gives the staff time to take the proper precautions so the virus does not spread.

Those needing emergency medical services should continue to use 911.

Go here to see the original:

New confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Wisconsin - WKOW