BROWN COUNTY — Brown County Public Health reported 16 new COVID-19 cases Monday since it’s last update on Jan. 22.

Individuals with cases ranged in age from under age 10 to people in their 60s, according to the update posted on Facebook Monday afternoon. There are 2,186 confirmed cases in Brown County and 46 active cases/in isolation. There have been 34 COVID-19 related deaths in Brown County since the pandemic began.

Brown County Public Health Director Karen Moritz commented on the vaccine and case situation.

“We are working to finish up vaccinating 1a priority group this week and next week and are hoping to get vaccine for the next priority groups that includes school/childcare staff and those over 65,” Moritz said. “We continue to plan ahead tentatively scheduling sites and staff. As soon as we know we have vaccine we will get that information out to the priority group that we can vaccinate.”

She commented on Brown County COVID case numbers.

“Thank you Brown County residents, please continue to wear a mask, social distance 6 feet whenever possible, avoid gathering with others besides your household family,” said Moritz. “Our Brown County weekly positivity rate has been below 5% for a few weeks so our cases are at a manageable level. Please continue this so we can keep schools and businesses open and keep our healthcare from being overwhelmed. If you have any symptoms please stay home and isolate and get tested.”

Brown County is working to finish up vaccinating members of the 1A priority group this week and next week, and are hoping to get vaccinces for the next priority groups, including school and childcare staff, and those over 65. Brown County is tentatively scheduling vaccination sites and staff, and will let the next priority groups know when vaccines are available.

Renville County Public Health reported 34 active cases and 40 deaths since the pandemic began. The Renville County Public Health COVID-19 dashboard reported 1,034 people had one COVID-19 vaccine dose and 180 individuals completed their vaccine series.

Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.