Slight Dip in Local COVID-19 Cases

The number of COVID-19 diagnoses in the Copper Country edged downward slightly last week, even as cases statewide continued to rise.

Figures released by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services show 114 confirmed cases in Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga and Ontonagon Counties last week. That’s six fewer than in the previous week. Cases in Baraga county dropped significantly, but diagnoses in Ontonagon County more than doubled.

Statewide, an average of 2,512 people received positive test results each day last week. That’s the highest level since the last week in May. The number of virus-related deaths continues to drop, with an average of 12 fatalities per day last week.

Officials caution that the number of cases may be significantly undercounted. Positive results from private tests are frequently not reported. Cases with few or no symptoms may not be diagnosed, although even asymptomatic individuals can transmit the virus to others.