A model of the novel coronavirus, which originated in Wuhan, China in late 2019. U.S. health officials have stated that COVID-19 is expected to become a significant public health concern in the United States. (Illustration courtesy of Centers for Disease Control)

By Superior Telegram and Jen Zettel-Vandenhouten

December 13, 2020 at 2:22 PM

Two residents of Northwestern Wisconsin died from complications related to COVID-19, the state Department of Health Services reported Sunday, Dec. 13.

The people who died were residents of Ashland and Taylor counties. Their deaths were the 13th for each county since the pandemic began.

A total of 15 deaths were reported statewide Sunday, bringing the total number in the state to 4,056, DHS said. Overall, about 1% of people who have contracted the virus in Wisconsin have died, DHS said.

A total of 102 Northwestern Wisconsin residents tested positive for COVID-19 Sunday. They were reported as follows: 24 in Douglas County; 17 each in Burnett and Washburn counties; 14 in Bayfield County; 10 in Ashland County; seven each in Sawyer and Taylor counties; and six in Rusk County. No new cases were reported in Iron and Price counties.

The new cases were among 2,757 cases reported Sunday, bringing the state's overall tally to 436,773, DHS said. The seven-day average of positive cases was 3,513, a figure that has been dropping.

The number of negative tests in the state was 2,250,766, an increase of 9,418 from the previous day.

An additional 87 people were hospitalized because of the virus Sunday. Across the state, 1,448 people are currently hospitalized because of COVID-19. The total number of people receiving treatment in intensive care units is 328. DHS reported that 84% of the state's available hospital beds are occupied. Overall, 4% of Wisconsinites who contracted the virus have been hospitalized.

Sunday's report also showed that 89% of the people who have tested positive for the virus have recovered. That means 11%, or 45,987 cases, are currently active.

Here's the breakdown in the 10-county region: