REGIONAL — The Minnesota Department of Health reported 44,626 new cases of COVID-19 in its Wednesday update — figures recorded as of 4 a.m. Tuesday, and reflecting new cases recorded from Friday through Monday. There are likely many more new cases of the virus statewide as people take home-based tests which are not recorded by the state agency.
Of the new cases, 159 were reported in Nobles County; 50 in Cottonwood County; 45 in Murray County, 42 in Rock County; 34 in Pipestone County; and 30 in Jackson County.
In addition, there were 37 newly recorded deaths, bringing the statewide death toll from the virus to 11,037 people. Of those, 5,245 were residents of long-term care or assisted living facilities.
The statewide, cumulative number of individuals who have recorded positive or probable test results with MDH — including reinfections — is 1,193,504.
Following is current, cumulative data for area counties:
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Nobles County: 6,032 cases; 5,500 no longer isolating as of Jan. 13; 56 deaths; 66.9% of residents ages 5 and older have received at least one vaccine dose. On Wednesday, Nobles County Emergency Management reported 253 residents currently infected and within their 10-day isolation period. These included 19 children aged birth to 10; 16 children aged 11 to 15; 18 people aged 16 to 19; 21 people aged 20 to 25; 114 people aged 26 to 50; 30 people aged 51 to 64; and 17 people aged 65 and older.
Cottonwood County: 2,705 cases; 2,475 no longer isolating; 37 deaths; 61.9% vaccinated.
Jackson County: 1,867 cases; 1,736 no longer isolating; 16 deaths; 57.5% vaccinated.
Murray County: 1,790 cases; 1,622 no longer isolating; 15 deaths; 61.4% vaccinated.
Pipestone County: 1,755 cases; 1,605 no longer isolating; 31 deaths; 57.3% vaccinated.
Rock County: 2,034 cases; 1,858 no longer isolating; 32 deaths; 55.7% vaccinated.
Long-term care facilities reporting an exposure from a case of COVID-19 in a resident, staff person or visiting provider as of Jan. 13 include the Good Samaritan Society home in Mountain Lake.
Nobles County Public Health encourages all eligible individuals to seek vaccination. Private providers in Worthington include Access Family Medical Clinic/Avera Medical Group, Hy-Vee Pharmacy, Sanford Health, Sterling Pharmacy and Walgreens. Contact Nobles County Public Health at 295-5213 with questions.
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The Iowa Department of Health reported Wednesday that there were 36,823 new cases of COVID-19 and 116 deaths within the last seven days. Thus far in the state, 8,317 deaths are blamed on the virus. IDH also reported 991 residents hospitalized with complications from COVID-19, with another 182 patients in Intensive Care Units in the state. Of those patients in ICU, 72% were unvaccinated, while 64% of hospitalized individuals were unvaccinated.
In northwest Iowa, the number of positive cases, along with the percentage of fully vaccinated residents ages 5 and older on Wednesday were:
- Dickinson County: 162 cases; 59.2% fully vaccinated.
- Lyon County: 151 cases; 46.6% fully vaccinated.
- Osceola County: 70 cases; 43% fully vaccinated.
Johns Hopkins University reported at 3:20 p.m. Wednesday that 856,628 Americans have died from the virus, including 42,102 people in the last 28 days.
The Minnesota Department of Health continues to ask people to stay home if they have symptoms of COVID-19 and/or are awaiting test results, and to practice universal precautions including washing hands with soap (for 20 seconds), social distancing, and avoiding crowded or confined spaces.
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