



MADISON -- Officials with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services on Monday, March 2 announced two more pending cases of coronavirus in the state. As of March 2, state health officials reported one positive case, 18 negative cases, and the two pending cases, for a total of 21.



Wisconsin health officials also announced the state is equipped to test for coronavirus.



"We are preparing in the event that COVID-19 begins to spread in the community, and based on indications that we are seeing this around the globe," said Jeanne Ayers, state health officer.



Ayers said the risk in Wisconsin "remains low."



Officials announced two Wisconsin coronavirus testing sites: the State Lab of Hygiene at the University of Wisconsin and the Milwaukee Health Department. Samples previously needed to be tested at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta.



"It's especially important that we have this lab capacity in Wisconsin," said Ayers. "Fast access to high-quality testing can help make a difference in our efforts to identify and control the spread of the disease."



While coronavirus has similar symptoms to the common cold and influenza, Ayers recommended maintaining similar habits to prevent getting sick.



"Remember these simple steps to avoid catching and spreading viruses, such as washing your hands with soap and water, covering your cough and sneeze, and staying home if you are sick," she said. "The odds are greater to get the flu than COVID-19."



One positive case in Wisconsin



On Friday, Feb. 28, DHS officials announced the Dane County resident who tested positive for coronavirus had two negative tests and was released from isolation.



Medical officials had been testing this individual every other day for several weeks.



Officials thanked the person who had to remain in isolation since the end of January.



“This person has been nothing but patient and understanding,” officials said in a YouTube video released Friday.



About coronavirus



Human coronaviruses are common throughout the world. Some human coronaviruses were identified many years ago and some have been identified recently. Human coronaviruses commonly cause mild to moderate illness in people worldwide.



Two newer human coronaviruses, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV, have been known to frequently cause severe illness.



An investigation is ongoing related to an outbreak of a new coronavirus, COVID-19.



Symptoms of coronavirus




Common human coronaviruses usually cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses, like the common cold. Most people get infected with these viruses at some point in their lives.



These illnesses usually only last for a short amount of time. Symptoms may include:





CLICK HERE for more on coronavirus from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.