All three COVID-19 vaccines are now flowing through Itasca Countyâs network of health care facilities, pharmacies and public health clinics in a local race against variant-fueled spread of the coronavirus.
Over the past seven days, 71 new cases of COVID-19 were identified among Itasca County residents, following 108 identified the previous week. The 14-day rate per 10,000 Itasca residents is 42.Â
âIt is clear that the highly contagious B.1.1.7 variant is blooming in our county, especially among younger residents,â said Kelly Chandler, Itasca County Public Health division manager. âThankfully, we also have vaccines available to all residents 16 and older. In addition to protecting against hospitalization and death, vaccines offer assurance of a more normal spring and summer. I recommend getting vaccinated whenever and wherever you can, as soon as possible.â