Gov. Tony Evers and DHS Secretary Andrea Palm warn that a negative test is not a free pass to attend large Thanksgiving celebrations or deer hunting.

“I want to remind Wisconsinites to celebrate safely, stay smart and follow all the recommendations from public health experts,” Evers pleaded. “If you’re planning to spend Thanksgiving with people outside of your household, we urge you to seriously reconsider.”

During Tuesday’s health briefing, Palm reminded viewers the most effective action to stop the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home, including individuals who have tested negative for COVID-19.

“A negative test … is just a snapshot in time,” she said. “It means the test did not detect COVID-19 when it was administered.”

Palm explained that considering the incubation time for COVID-19, the virus may become detectable at a later time, and a negative test does not protect future infection.

“A negative test is not a free pass,” both Evers and Palm said.

Each is spending Thanksgiving at home with their spouse, breaking their traditions of holding large family gatherings.

The two encouraged Wisconsinites to get out and hunt individually or with those in one’s household for fresh air and exercise.

The public health request for residents to stay home comes after the state reported over 100 COVID-19 deaths Tuesday.

The record 104 single-day deaths comes after zero deaths were reported on Sunday and six on Monday.

The new deaths bring the state’s death toll to 3,115.

The seven-day average for daily deaths due to the virus is 53 per day. One month ago, the average was 28 per day. Two months ago, it was six.

The state also reported 6,202 new COVID-19 cases Tuesday, bringing the seven-day average for daily confirmed cases to 5,732.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email