Houghton, Baraga Among State’s Worst COVID Counties

The most hard-hit COVID-19 counties in Michigan are now all in the Upper Peninsula.

Six counties are currently in the “Code Red” category – Houghton, Baraga, Iron, Dickinson, Menominee and Delta.

Iron County is being hit the hardest, with a rolling average of 115 new infections per week, adjusted per 100,000 population. Delta County is second-worst, with 87 new infections per 100,000 population. Houghton County is at 67 new infections per week per 100,000 population. Menominee County is at 44, Dickinson at 34, and Baraga at 26 new infections per week per 100,000 population.

By contrast, Marquette County’s weighted seven-day average is less than 10, as is Gogebic County’s. Gogebic was a hot spot just a few weeks ago.

Delta, Iron and Houghton Counties also had the highest percentage of positive readings among test results received in the most recent seven-day sampling period.

Officials continue to stress the basics in trying to bring our COVID-19 rates back in line with the rest of the state – wear masks in public, wash hands frequently, maintain a six-foot distance between yourself and others, and sanitize surfaces.