Fox21Online
May 7, 2021
Itasca County health officials say the P.1 variant which originated in Brazil was identified through genetic sequencing.
“Virus mutations are possible when and where a virus spreads from person to person, which is why getting to widespread immunity is so critical here in Itasca County and around the world,” said Kelly Chandler, Itasca County Public Health division manager. “Vaccines are working well here and are widely available. Every Itasca resident is encouraged to consider vaccination as soon as possible.”
According to a news release, Itasca County is the only county in Northeast Minnesota to report having all four of the most common variants of the virus.
Itasca County reports the highest COVID-19 case rates in the region. 8:30 am, May 7, 2021 ×
Another Northland school was added to the Minnesota Department of Health s outbreak list Thursday.
A school building is put on the list if it reports five or more confirmed cases of COVID-19 in students or staff who were in a building while infectious during a two-week reporting period. The building is removed after 28 days of no new positive tests.
Deer River High School, in Deer River, was added to the list Thursday. Lowell Elementary School, in Duluth, added March 11, was removed from the list Thursday.
These Northland schools still remain on the outbreak list as of Thursday:
Itasca County Public Health would like to acknowledge the Grand Rapids Senior High School Interact Club and International Baccalaureate (IB) students, under the leadership of Social Studies teacher Brielle Carlson,
More than half of Itasca County residents (51 percent) now have at least a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, with access expanding through events at worksites and community centers across the area.Â
Itasca County Public Health will be hosting clinics offering the one-dose Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine during the month of May. To secure an appointment, visit the county website at www.co.itasca.mn.us or the Itasca County Public Health Facebook page. Walk-ins are possible as supplies last.
Friday, May 7, 12:00-3:30 at Itasca Resource Center, 1209 SE 2nd Ave, Grand Rapids
Thursday, May 13, 4:00â6:00, including Moderna, at Keewatin Community Center, 215 N 1st St., Keewatin
COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations Trend Up in Itasca County as Vaccine Rollout Continues
Itasca County Public Health Division Urges All Residents to Research and Receive Their COVID-19 Vaccination
April 29, 2021
GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Itasca County Public Health and area residents are reflecting on the gratitude of science after surpassing the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Public Health Department reports new cases of COVID-19 to continue to rise in Itasca County, especially among residents aged 30 – 50, and school-aged children.
As of Thursday, April 29, in the past seven days, 152 new cases of COVID-19 have been detected in the county.
One year into the pandemic, hospitalizations are also continuing to rise.