Itasca County has seen a continued rise in cases of COVID over the past week and, unfortunately, an additional COVID-related death, a male in his 80s.
Newly diagnosed cases of COVID-19 rose by 114 between April 9 and 15, a rate of increase not seen since late fall 2020. The 14-day case rate per 10,000 Itasca residents is up to 48 from 42 in just one week. Cases are highest among 30- and 40-year-olds and school-aged children.Â
âI know we are all tired of the pandemic and talking about COVID, but we do ask that you continue to stay six feet apart and wear your masks. We know this works to prevent spread of COVID, particularly to those most vulnerable or who will not simply have mild symptoms,â said Kelly Chandler, Itasca County Public Health division manager. âCOVID has not let up and we need to stay strong, especially to protect those who are unvaccinated or are more likely to experience poor outcomes.â