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Two weeks ago, there were 58 new cases of COVID-19; last week, it jumped to 97 new cases over seven days. That brings the number to 553 cases since the pandemic’s start as of January 13, 2022.
All of this is alarming because Cook County has the highest rate of vaccinations in the state, but over the last two weeks, three percent of the county’s population has tested positive for covid. There are 4,339 fully vaccinated citizens of Cook County out of 5,600, and many residents are gone to warmer climates, so the population is decidedly less than 5,600 during the winter months.
The total case counts are gathered by the Cook County Public Health (PHHS) and include over-the-counter antigen-positive test results reported to either Cook County Public Health and Human Services. According to the PHHS, these overthe counter antigen tests are not reported to the Minnesota Department of Public Health, so there is a discrepancy between local and state data.
The county’s covid website also noted that not all over-the-counter positive results are reported locally, and the weekly cumulative totals are an undercount of the actual cases in the community.
Not everyone who gets covid will experience symptoms. However, to avoid spreading the virus, or getting the virus, wash your hands, wear your mask and keep your distance in crowded public spaces.
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