Slight Rise in Local COVID-19 Cases Noted

COVID-19 diagnoses in the Copper Country edged upward a bit last week. 

The latest figures from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services show 58 confirmed cases, compared to 54 in the previous week. The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department reported one new COVID-related death in Baraga County.

While numbers remain far below what we saw earlier this year, the western Upper Peninsula still suffers the highest case rates in the state, with Gogebic and Iron Counties way above everyone else.

Statewide, infection rates bumped upward slightly last week. The average number of deaths per day more than doubled, to 20.

Officials caution that actual infection numbers are probably somewhat higher. Positive private home test results are frequently not reported, and mild cases may go undiagnosed. The virus can be transmitted to others, even if no symptoms are obvious.