Northland COVID-19 cases decline for 8th consecutive week – Duluth News Tribune

Five deaths were recorded in the Northland in the seven-day period four in St. Louis County and one in Koochiching County.

Seven-day total of new cases and daily averages in Northland counties:

Of the 51 new cases in the Northland this week, 19 were in St. Louis County, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. When broken down by city, 15 cases were accounted for in data from St. Louis County.

New cases in St. Louis County cities June 18-24:

As of Thursday, the county's seven-day testing positivity rate was 0.7%, a 0.5% decrease from last week. The county conducted 2,560 tests June 18-24.

Carlton County logged six new cases in the last week, according to Minnesota Department of Health data, but when broken down by ZIP code, seven cases were recorded. Those new cases came from 542 tests, putting this week's testing positivity rate at 1.1%.

New cases in Carlton County ZIP codes June 18-24:

Between June 18 and 24, 2,736 more people became fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in the Northland and 1,444 people received a first dose of the vaccine. There are now 217,804 Northlanders who have received at least one dose and 205,207 are fully vaccinated.

Percentage of people with at least one dose in each county:

Duluth's health care systems continue to encourage residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as vaccine rates slow down. At St. Luke's, 77% employees and 96% of physicians are fully vaccinated as of June 15, according to Sue Miller, occupational health nurse.

Essentia Health did not provide specific numbers about staff vaccinations, but Chief Medical Officer Peter Henry said vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective at slowing the spread of the virus and reducing serious complications from it.

"We trust the guidance and science from top medical experts in the country and encourage everyone to receive the shot, including all of our staff members," Henry said.

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Northland COVID-19 cases decline for 8th consecutive week - Duluth News Tribune