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 30, 2020 at 2:06 PM

Four Northwestern Wisconsin residents died from complications related to COVID-19, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services reported Wednesday, Dec. 30.

Ashland and Rusk counties each reported the deaths of one resident, while Iron County reported two deaths. The people who died bring the total in each county to 16 in Ashland County, 17 in Iron County and 13 in Rusk County, respectively.

They were among 35 people whose deaths were reported statewide Wednesday, bringing the total to 4,818. Overall, 1% of those who have contracted the virus have died.

SEE MORE: News about coronavirus

A total of 58 Northwestern Wisconsin residents tested positive for COVID-19 Wednesday, DHS said. They were reported as follows: 20 in Douglas County; 10 each in Sawyer and Taylor counties; four each in Bayfield and Price counties; three each in Burnett and Washburn counties; and two each in Ashland and Rusk counties. No new cases were reported in Iron County.

The new cases were among 2,755 reported Wednesday, bringing the state's overall tally to 477,292, DHS said. The seven-day average of positive cases was 1,956, a figure that has dropped since it reached a high of 6,563 cases on Nov. 18.

The number of negative tests in the state was 2,344,771, an increase of 4,607 from the previous day.

An additional 126 people were hospitalized because of the virus Wednesday. Across the state, 1,082 people are currently hospitalized because of COVID-19. The total number of people receiving treatment in intensive care units is 249. DHS reported that 80% of the state's available hospital beds are occupied. Overall, 4% of Wisconsinites who contracted the virus have been hospitalized.

Wednesday's report also showed that 93% of the people who have tested positive for the virus have recovered. That means 6%, or 27,729 cases, are currently active.

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