Itasca County saw hopeful signs this week after three months of climbing rates of COVID-19 spread and last weekâs news of the Brazil variant being found in the county.
While still very high, Itasca Countyâs 14-day average per 10,000 residents dropped from the mid-80s last week to 73.8 this week (compared to a low of 14 in February). During the past seven days, 120 Itasca County residents tested positive for COVID and 200 did the week before.Â
Itasca County saw two additional COVID-related deaths this week, a man in his 80s and a woman in her 60s.
âItasca Countyâs cases are moving in a better direction than in past months, but the deaths of two residents this week are grim reminders of how serious COVID remains, especially for those vulnerable and unvaccinated. Our hearts are with those who have suffered through loss and grief during the pandemic,â said Kelly Chandler, Itasca County Public Health division manager.