MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — As new coronavirus cases and hospitalizations continue to rise in Wisconsin, the state is launching a new online system designed to make the testing process easier and more efficient.
Gov. Tony Evers’ office says the new online system allowed 40% more tests to be completed per hour over two days last week at the National Guard testing site in Dane County. COVID Connect allows people to register online for their test. They then receive emails confirming the test and asking them to report where they think they may have been exposed to COVID-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus.
COVID Connect will be rolled out soon to other National Guard testing sites in Wisconsin.
The announcement comes as the number of new coronavirus cases broke a record on Thursday. The state Department of Health Services announced 754 positive tests, breaking a record set on Saturday, and 12,404 negative tests. The 5.7% rate of positive tests was similar to Wednesday’s 5.6%.
Three weeks into a surge in cases, the number of COVID-19 patients in Wisconsin hospitals has risen to 284, a jump of 10 in the past day and 48 in the past week. The number in intensive care is up to 76, two more than on Wednesday. Another 168 people were awaiting their test results.
A total of 809 people have died, with two new deaths reported in the past day.
Since the pandemic began, there have been 33,908 confirmed coronavirus infections and 623,554 negative tests in Wisconsin.
Hospitals say of their 11,409 beds, 2,461 were available as of Thursday morning. of the 1,255 ventilators in the state, 294 were being used.
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