Wisconsin reported another new record for daily deaths from COVID-19 on Tuesday, as 120 more people died statewide.
The report comes on the same day as the state introduced a free, at-home testing option.
Wednesday marked the third time Wisconsin has tallied more than 100 deaths in a daily reporting period. All have come in the last month.
The total number of deaths in the state has now surpassed 4,500.
“As always, our thoughts are with the families and friends who have lost loved ones, especially as you feel this grief during the holiday season,” said Department of Health Services Sec.-designee Andrea Palm.
Also on Tuesday, the state announced it has contracted with Vault Medical Services to offer an at-home saliva testing kit which is shipped and returned through the mail.
Gov. Tony Evers said he’s proud of the expansion of in-person testing options, but the state can do more.
“All this work isn’t enough when we know that getting to a health care provider or community testing site is easier for some folks than others, so we’re excited to offer this additional testing option that will help us box in the virus,” Evers said.
Palm said the option is especially needed now because the number of people getting tested has been declining.
“Testing has been, and continues to be, an integral tool in our work to box in the virus, and we are excited to continue to diversify our options and expand access to testing in Wisconsin. This is more important than ever,” she said.
Follow this link to order a free, at-home testing kit from the state.
Evers also pleaded with people to celebrate the holidays with only the people in their own home.
“One positive test at the dinner table can turn into ten, so please don’t risk it. Celebrate small this year, and let’s hope for bigger and brighter celebrations in the new year, when we can all do it safely,” he said.
More than 460,000 people in Wisconsin have been infected since the start of the pandemic.
