61 deaths, more than 2,100 cases of COVID-19 in Wisconsin; Gov. Evers issues major disaster declaration

More than 2,100 cases of COVID-19 and 61 deaths have been reported in Wisconsin as of Saturday, according to ABC affiliate station WISN in Milwaukee.

In an update on Saturday, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services said 2,112 patients had tested positive for the coronavirus disease and 23,859 tests had come back negative.

Of all patients, a total of 588, or 28%, have required hospitalization, according to the state health department.

Milwaukee County remains the state’s epicenter for the virus; more than half of all cases and deaths have been reported in the county.

Full coverage of the coronavirus pandemic

Gov. Tony Evers announced Saturday that the federal government has issued a major disaster declaration for Wisconsin. It provides access to public assistance programs for all 72 Wisconsin counties and the state’s federally recognized tribes.

“I am grateful for the swift action of the federal government in reviewing our request for a major disaster declaration,” Evers said. “The assistance granted today will help ensure Wisconsin can gain access to critical assistance as we continue our work to respond to this pandemic.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.