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

November 17, 2020 at 1:35 PM

Three people in Northwestern Wisconsin died from complications related to COVID-19, the state Department of Health Services reported Tuesday, Nov. 17.

Ashland, Iron and Taylor counties each reported the deaths of one resident. The counties have lost seven, six, 11 residents to the virus, respectively.

Their deaths were reported as the state set a record for the number of deaths reported in a single day with 92. So far, 2,741 people have died from the virus. Overall, about 1% of people who have contracted the virus in Wisconsin have died, DHS said.

A total of 212 people in Northwestern Wisconsin tested positive for COVID-19 Tuesday. The cases were reported as follows: 53 in Douglas County; 31 in Burnett County; 25 in Sawyer County; 20 cases each in Bayfield and Taylor counties; 16 each in Price and Washburn counties; 14 in Rusk County; 11 in Ashland County; and six in Iron County.

The new cases were among 7,090 cases reported statewide Tuesday, bringing the total to 323,848. The seven-day average of positive cases was 6,429, compared to 727 on Sept. 1, DHS said.

The number of negative tests in the state was 2,024,801, an increase of 15,653 from the previous day.

An additional 318 people were hospitalized because of the virus Tuesday. Across the state, 2,278 people are currently hospitalized because of COVID-19, a record high. Overall, about 5% of Wisconsinites who contracted the virus have been hospitalized.

Tuesday's report also showed that 77% of the people who have tested positive for the virus have recovered. That means 22%, or 70,344 cases, are currently active.

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