DRIFTLESS - Over the past week, from Monday, May 4 to Monday, May 11, only Richland County in the regtion has held steady with numbers of infections, and all others saw saw moderate to significant increases.

The State of Wisconsin saw an increase of 2,155 cases, going from 8,263 to 10,418. The number of deaths increased by 69, and the total number of negative tests increased by 27,566.

For the first time Monday the state met three of the six Badger Bounce Back “gates” — a downward trajectory of positive tests as a percentage of total tests, 95 percent of hospitals being able to treat patients without “crisis standards of care,” and 95 percent of hospitals being able to test health care workers with symptoms. 

The three that have not been met include, over a 14-day period, a decreasing in influenza-like illnesses, COVID-like “syndromic cases,” and COVID-19 cases among health care workers — even though according to DHS preliminary data all three measures were trending downward.

Crawford Countysaw an increase of 10 cases, going from seven to 17. The number of negative tests increased by 238, and there have been no deaths in the county.

Vernon Countysaw an increase of two cases, going from two to four. The number of negative tests increased by 116, and there have been no deaths.

Richland Countyheld their number of infections steady, remaining at 13 cases. The number of negative tests increased by 77, and the number of deaths in the county remains at two.

Monroe Countysaw an increase of one case in the last week, going from 14 to 15. Negative tests increased by 322, and the number of deaths in the county remains at one.

Juneau Countyhas seen an increase of three cases in the last week, going from 18 to 21. The number of deaths in the county remains at one.

LaCrosse Countyhas seen an increase in new cases in the last week of two, going from 33 to 35. There have been no deaths in the county.

Grant Countyhas seen an increase of 15 cases in the last week, going from 54 to 69. In addition, there have been two additional deaths in the county, bringing the total number of deaths to nine.

Lafayette Countyhas seen an increase of seven cases in the last week, going from six to 13. The number of negative tests has increased by 75. There have been no deaths in the county.

Iowa Countyhas seen an increase of three cases in the last week, going from seven to 10. There have been no deaths in the county.

The State of Iowahas seen an increase of 2,669 cases in the last week, going from 9,703 to 12,372. The number of deaths has increased by 83.

Allamakee Countyhas seen an increase of 13 cases in the last week, going from 99 to 112.

Clayton Countyhas seen an increase of six cases in the last week, going from 17 to 23. 

Dubuque Countyhas seen an increase in cases in the last week of 45, going from 152 to 197. 

In other news

While Wisconsinites waited for the state Supreme Court to decide the constitutionality or legality of the state Safer at Home order, the order was loosened last week.

The state Department of Health Services issued an executive order Monday that allows "standalone or strip-mall-based" retail businesses that sell "goods," not "services," to reopen with a limit of five customers in the store at any one time. 

Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. CEO Missy Hughes said Monday that the guidelines would allow to open 14,400 businesses of up to 20 employees, affecting “about 90,000 jobs.”

The order keeps closed bars and restaurants to in-premise customers, as well as hair salons and similar businesses.

On Friday WEDC released guidelines on businesses’ reopening for customers.

WEDC developed the guidelines with the state Department of Health Services, the Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection, the Department of Tourism, and industry experts and associations.

Advice WEDC is giving to businesses includes making sure that employees who are sick don’t come to work, curtailing business travel whenever possible, promoting telecommuting or other work-from-home arrangements, and making sure employees have access to sanitizers and personal protective equipment when appropriate.

WEDC has separate advice at wedc.org/reopen-guidelines/ for agriculture, construction, entertainment and amusement businesses, gyms and fitness centers, hair and nail salons, hospitality and lodging businesses, manufacturers, professional services firms , restaurants, retail businesses, 

The state also announced a microloan grant program for retail, service and hospitality businesses that are at least 51 percent minority owned, have no more than five employees, and have not received federal Paycheck Protection Program or state Small Business 20/20 aid to receive $2,000 grants.

Tests and licenses:The state Department of Transportation announced that during the health emergency drivers with expiring licenses can renew them online. The DOT also announced that first-time drivers who are 16 or 17 can have their parents sign a waiver for taking the road test for their probationary license if they have completed requirements that include no violations during their instructional permit, completed coursework, behind-the-wheel driving and at least 30 hours of supervised driving, including at least 10 hours at night.

Gov. Tony Evers said Monday afternoon that 98 percent of new drivers passed their road tests.