Newly reported COVID cases in Becker and Clay Counties have more than tripled over the past three weeks. In the week of Jan. 4, Clay County reported 304 new cases during the week, in the week of Jan. 18, those weekly totals increased to 963. Active cases in Becker County requiring isolation have increased from 76 on Jan. 4 to 241 on Jan. 18. Also, the state reported an additional 78,355 COVID-19 cases this week, a 19% increase compared to the previous seven days, totaling 1,193,504 for the entire pandemic. Also, 98 new deaths were reported by the state in the last seven days, a decrease of 57% compared to the previous week, totaling 11,037 for the entire pandemic. Statewide COVID-19 data is not being released on federal holidays, Saturdays and Sundays.