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 06, 2020 at 1:39 PM

A total of 139 Northwestern Wisconsin residents tested positive for COVID-19 Sunday, Dec. 6, the state Department of Health Services reported.

They were reported as follows: 41 in Douglas County; 24 in Ashland County; 19 in Washburn County; 14 in Taylor County; 12 in Sawyer County; 11 in Burnett County; 10 in Bayfield County; five in Rusk County; and three in Price County. No new cases were reported in Iron County.

A total of 2,791 cases were reported Sunday, bringing the state's overall tally to 412,177, DHS said. The seven-day average of positive cases was 3,925.

An additional 17 deaths were reported statewide Sunday. The total number of Wisconsinites who have died from COVID-19 is 3,719. Overall, about 1% of people who have contracted the virus in Wisconsin have died, DHS said.

The number of negative tests in the state was 2,196,722, an increase of 7,773 from the previous day.

An additional 90 people were hospitalized because of the virus Sunday. Across the state, 1,660 people are currently hospitalized because of COVID-19. The total number of people receiving treatment in intensive care units is 371. DHS reports that 85% 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 85% of the people who have tested positive for the virus have recovered. That means 14%, or 59,388 cases, are currently active.

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