One hundred seven more Wisconsinites died of COVID-19 in the last 24-hour reporting period, setting yet another state record, leaders announced on Tuesday.
It’s the second time the daily death count has surpassed 100.
State leaders again pleaded with people to take action to control the spread of the virus.
“Wisconsin is in crisis right now. It took us seven and a half months to get to our first 100,000 cases. It took us 35 days to get to 200,000 cases. By November 13, 18 days later, we have added another 100,000 cases. Now, we’ve reached December, and are nearing 400,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 here in Wisconsin,” said Department of Health Services Sec.-designee Andrea Palm.
Gov. Tony Evers repeated a message he’s shared again and again. He urged people to stay home, wear masks, and socially distance.
“Too many Wisconsinites will celebrate this holiday season without a loved one for the first time because they lost the battle to this virus,” Evers said. “I have a lot of hope for what the new year will bring with vaccines on the horizon, but until then, let’s put our empathy, our compassion, and the health and safety of our friends and neighbors first.”
The state said Tuesday some hospital workers have been forced to return to work during their quarantine period.
Although those workers may have been exposed, hospitals are so understaffed, they can’t operate without the help.
“Our hospitals are still strained. They continue to report current and imminent staffing shortages. We continue to admit patients to the alternate care facility,” Palm said.
