COVID update

The most recent Western Upper Peninsula Health Department COVID-19 report shows higher numbers than last week for the Tuesday through Thursday period. That was expected as the Easter holiday depressed reporting and public health officials are now catching up. In Houghton, Baraga, and Keweenaw Counties there were a total of 31 cases on a combined basis. That compares with 20 recoveries.

Vaccination rates reflect the loosening eligibility requirements that took effect on Monday. Across the entire district, there were 913 new people who got their final dose. Houghton County continues to lag given its larger, younger population but it is nearing 25 percent. Keweenaw County is already over thirty.

• TOTAL: 36 more positives, 14 more probable positives, 24 more recoveries, 0 deaths and 25.40% fully vaccinated (up from 23.98% — meaning 913 more people)
• BARAGA COUNTY: 4 more positives, 3 more probable positives, 4 more recoveries and 24.61% fully vaccinated (up from 23.03%)
• GOGEBIC COUNTY: 3 more positives, 4 more recoveries, and 26.77% fully vaccinated (up from 26.20%)
• HOUGHTON COUNTY: 26 more positives,10 more probable positives, 15 more recoveries, and 23.23% fully vaccinated (up from 21.65%)
• KEWEENAW COUNTY: 1 more positive, 1 more probable positive, 1 more recovery and 30.22% fully vaccinated (up from 28.45%)
• ONTONAGON COUNTY: 2 more positives and 34.52% fully vaccinated (up from 30.66%)

Read the full report here.