As Wisconsin sets record in COVID-19 deaths, Gov. Evers urges people to ‘seriously reconsider’ Thanksgiving plans

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) – State leaders urged people to rethink their Thanksgiving plans as Wisconsin continues suffering its worst stretch of the pandemic.

On Tuesday, Nov. 24, the Department of Health Services reported 104 deaths, the highest single-day total for Wisconsin to date.

Governor Tony Evers cautioned those getting a test in the days leading up to Thanksgiving that a negative result is not a free pass to join or host a large gathering.

“A negative test today does not guarantee a negative test tomorrow and you could very well test negative one day and unknowingly spread the virus to your family the next day,” Evers said. “So if you’re planning to spend Thanksgiving with people outside of your household, we urge you to seriously reconsider.”

Hospitals continue to reach their limits in both space and staffing.

“The best way we can say thank you to the health care and public health workers in our state is to stay home, wear a mask, physically distance and wash our hands,” DHS Secretary-designee Andrea Palm said.

The governor also discussed his meeting with Republican leaders who control the Legislature about a potential new COVID-19 relief bill.

Evers did not go into specifics but said the discussions are ongoing with another meeting likely happening next week.