MADISON (WLUK) -- Three Northeast Wisconsin counties have moved into the "medium" category for COVID-19 activity as new cases and deaths continue to increase.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention map shows Winnebago, Shawano and Menominee counties in the "medium" category. At that level, the CDC recommends those at high risk talk to their health care providers about taking precautions including wearing masks.
A total of 17 counties in Wisconsin were listed in "medium;" the rest were listed as "low."
The state Department of Health Services reported 2,307 new confirmed cases on Thursday. The seven-day average increased to 1,573, its highest level since Feb. 15.
Test positivity increased to a seven-day average of 11%, its highest level since Feb. 10.
Seven new deaths were reported on Thursday, with the seven-day average increasing to five, its highest level since March 31.
Since the pandemic began, Wisconsin has reported more than 1.4 million cases and 12,919 deaths.
As of Friday, 64.3% of state residents had received at least one dose of vaccine, 61.1% had completed the initial vaccine series and 34.2% had received an additional or booster dose.
Hospitalizations showed mixed results on Friday. The Wisconsin Hospital Association reported treating 257 COVID-19 patients, three more than on Thursday and 23 more than a week earlier. The number in intensive care decreased, however, to 37 -- a one-day drop of nine. The ICU tally was the same as a week earlier.
In the northeast region, there were 16 COVID-19 patients, down three in a day and eight over a week. Three of those were in ICUs, down one in a day and two over a week. Fox Valley region hospitals had 15 COVID-19 patients, two more than on Thursday and one more than a week earlier. Of those, two were in ICUs, the same as on Thursday and twice the total of a week earlier.