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February 18: Weekly Driftless Region COVID-19 update
Editors note: this story is updated as of Wednesday, Feb. 17, in the COVID variants section to reflect growth in numbers.
DRIFTLESS - Over the past week COVID-19, diagnoses statewide increased from 550,639 on Monday, Feb. 8 to 555,708 on Monday, Feb. 15. That is a statewide increase of 5,339 cases. The number of deaths increased from 6,055 to 6,166, an additional 111 deaths, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) on Monday announced a $6.1 million investment to support community-based organizations in raising awareness and access to COVID-19 vaccine among communities that have faced both historical and current barriers to healthcare services and the COVID-19 vaccine. $3.1 million of the investment will fund efforts to activate organizations to serve as trusted messengers to build vaccine confidence and reduce barriers that may impede vaccination
BUCYRUS - At some point in the next week or two, the number of COVID-19 deaths in Ohio will exceed the total population of Bucyrus.
As of 2 p.m. Monday, Ohio s death toll from COVID-19 stood at 11,230, according to the Ohio Department of Health s website.
That s nearing 11,764 Bucyrus total population as of July 2019, the most recent figure available from the U.S. Census Bureau website. That really brings it into focus as to how serious it is losing a town the size of Bucyrus to COVID, Bucyrus Mayor Jeff Reser said. I was at a funeral . for former councilman Bobby Carter, and in the sermon, the pastor said this was his 16th COVID funeral. That’s 16 people that, you know, they may have had health issues, but they weren’t ready to die.
COVID-19 vaccinations will now be scheduled
CRAWFORD COUNTY - Last week marked a significant turning point for Crawford County in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Crawford County Public Health Department was able to conduct their first vaccine clinic for unaffiliated health care providers and some first responders.
“I am just about giddy with relief,” Crawford County Public Health Director Cindy Riniker said. “I finally have a sense that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
Prairie Maison and Soldiers Grove Health Services employees and residents also received the vaccine last week, insuring that some of the most vulnerable county residents have begun the process to be protected.
Dubuque County added 68 COVID-19 positive cases plus four deaths Thursday. Clayton County added 16 cases plus one death. Jones County reported 12 additional cases. Jackson County reported eight more cases, and Delaware County reported three more cases.
In Wisconsin, Grant County reported 16 additional cases Thursday. Lafayette County reported four new cases. Iowa County had three more cases. Crawford County added one case.
Crawford County Public Health officials announced there will be community COVID-19 vaccination clinics starting next week for anyone in priority populations including those who are age 65 or older.
In Illinois, Jo Daviess County reported seven more cases.