MADISON, Wis. — Gov. Tony Evers tonight delivered a primetime address, calling for unity and working together in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. The governor’s address comes as Wisconsin had yet another record-breaking day in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services reported 7,073 new cases, the highest single-day increase yet.

Additionally, the health department reported 66 more deaths and 291 hospitalizations, also marking the highest increases thus far.

“A global pandemic—coupled with economic uncertainty and another election season—has shaken our patience, our empathy, and our compassion for one another,” Evers said. “Our optimism has been battered, our resilience strained, and our character tested. But now, as we put the election behind us, we are called upon to remember the things that unite us—and that includes the struggles that we share.”

The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation estimates 5,000 Wisconsinites could be lost to COVID-19 by Jan. 1 if no further actions are taken to get the virus under control. Evers notes that could mean another 2,500 people might die by New Year’s Day.

“So, I want to be clear tonight: each day this virus goes unchecked is a setback for our economic recovery. Our bars, restaurants, small businesses, families, and farmers will continue to suffer if we don’t take action right now—our economy cannot bounce back until we contain this virus,” the governor said.

He stressed that an increase in cases is preventable. 

“That means the fight against this virus is winnable, but only if we fight it together,” he said.

Gov. Evers also announced in the coming days he will be introducing new COVID-19 response legislation to provide more support for Wisconsinites. He also once again called on Congress to pass legislation providing additional resources to states across the country.