Wisconsin Labs Close to Hitting Key Benchmark in Reducing Social Distancing Mandates
Friday, April 24th, 2020 -- 10:04 AM
(AP) -Laboratories in Wisconsin are closing in on Gov. Tony Evers’ goal of being able to test nearly 100,000 people a week for the coronavirus, a key benchmark for easing social distancing mandates, health officials said Thursday.Evers on Monday announced a plan for reopening businesses that calls for labs to be able to test at least 85,000 people a week for the virus as well as decreasing infections over a 14-day period. Wisconsin has been under the Democratic governor’s stay-at-home order since March 25. Labs would have to be able to test about 12,140 people a day to meet the 85,000 capacity mark. State Department of Health Services Secretary Andrea Palm said during a video conference that 48 labs are now testing Wisconsin patients and their daily capacity stands at 10,937.
But she cautioned that the tests must show a downward trajectory before the reopening plan can take effect. She said the plan could still be implemented if that trajectory emerges before the labs reach 85,000 capacity.
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