Wisconsin reports record 104 deaths from COVID-19 Tuesday
Wisconsin's COVID-19 outbreak continues to worsen, with a record 104 deaths reported on Tuesday.
The figure beats the previous high of 92 deaths last Tuesday, Nov. 17, and according to the New York Times' COVID death tracker, it represents around 10% of the total deaths reported in the U.S. in the previous 24 hours.
Wisconsin has now reported 3,115 deaths during the pandemic, with the state catching up with neighbor Minnesota, which has recorded 3,303 deaths.
Minnesota saw a higher death toll earlier in the pandemic than Wisconsin, but the most recent spike – while bad in both states – has been more deadly in Wisconsin, where the virus is rampant.
Earlier this month, Wisconsin DHS Deputy Secretary Julie Willems Van Dijk said that the spike being experienced by Wisconsin right now is larger than what New York City saw in the spring.
As cases were rising in October, Gov. Tony Evers introduced a measure limiting the capacity of bars and restaurants to 25% of their total occupancy.
He has not followed Gov. Tim Walz in imposing another shutdown, though if he did would face the possibility of it being challenged by the GOP-led Legislature.
Wisconsin has had a face mask mandate in place since July, and it was extended this week into 2021.