COVID Surges in Baraga County, Ebbs in Houghton County

Baraga County is seeing a surge in COVID-19 cases. 

Figures from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services show confirmed cases in the lightly vaccinated county more than doubled last week, from 14 to 30. On a prorated basis, that makes Baraga County the hottest COVID-19 spot in the state, by a wide margin.

Across Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga and Ontonagon Counties, 81 cases were confirmed in the past week, up from 65 the previous week. Houghton County reported just 35 new cases, for a prorated rate 75 percent lower than Baraga.

Numbers remain far below where they were at the beginning of the year.

Statewide, the latest surge continues to fade. After peaking at more than 3,600 diagnoses per day several weeks ago, the most recent per-day average is a bit more than 2,300. The number of COVID-19 related deaths has also decreased, now averaging four per day.

Officials continue to note that actual infection rates could be significantly higher. Positive home tests are generally not reported. Mild cases may go undiagnosed, although people with few symptoms can still spread the virus to others.