MADISON, WI (WTAQ) — Coronavirus cases in Wisconsin continue to rise, and we know why.
The 18-24 age group is the only demographic in the state that’s seeing an increase–and it’s a staggering one. The infection rate for that age group as of Tuesday stands at 517 infections per 100,000 residents and climbing, while every other demographic is below 100 infections per 100,000 and falling.
“We’ve had a dramatic acceleration of infection in the state, and it’s largely driven by the 18-24 demographic,” said Bureau of Infections Diseases Dr. Ryan Westergaard on Tuesday. “All other age groups have gone down in terms of cases per week.”
That growth has largely been driven by the reopening of college campuses across the state, with students again living close together in dorms and attending social events.
Now, the goal is containment.
“Now is the time we need to pay attention to protecting older and vulnerable patients so that the transmission doesn’t reach those at risk of severe disease,” said Westergaard.
As such, UW-Madison announced this week that they’re canceling next year’s spring break in hopes of keeping students on campus and away from their hometowns, where they could spread disease. There’s been mounting concern from health officials that closing schools now could result in wide viral spread throughout the state and the country.
