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 08, 2020 at 2:00 PM

A total of 180 Northwestern Wisconsin residents tested positive for COVID-19 Tuesday, Dec. 8, the state Department of Health Services reported.

They were reported as follows: 54 in Taylor County; 46 in Douglas County; 15 in Washburn County; 14 each in Price and Rusk counties; 13 in Bayfield County; nine in Burnett County; six in Ashland County; five in Iron County; and four in Sawyer County.

They were among 4,114 cases reported Tuesday, bringing the state's overall tally to 418,446, DHS said. The seven-day average of positive cases was 3,876.

An additional 68 deaths were reported statewide Tuesday. The total number of Wisconsinites who have died from COVID-19 is 3,806. 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 2,207,950, an increase of 5,477 from the previous day.

An additional 214 people were hospitalized because of the virus Tuesday. Across the state, 1,566 people are currently hospitalized because of COVID-19. The total number of people receiving treatment in intensive care units is 326. DHS reports that 83% of the state's available hospital beds are occupied. Overall, 4% of Wisconsinites who contracted the virus have been hospitalized.

Tuesday's report also showed that 85% of the people who have tested positive for the virus have recovered. That means 14%, or 57,813 cases, are currently active.

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