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To date, half of Itasca County area residents age 16 and older have been vaccinated against COVID-19. The vaccines have been shown they are preventing serious illness and death among residents. They are available at no cost at most area hospitals, clinics and pharmacies. Â A special Moderna vaccination clinic for those 18 and older will be held Saturday, April 24 at the IRA Civic Center in Grand Rapids, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, although appointments are encouraged. Call 218-327-6784 for assistance with registration or questions. Online registrations may be done through a link at the county’s website: https://www.co.itasca.mn.us. ....
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. 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 ....
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. 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 ....