BROWN COUNTY — Brown County Public Health reported 97 new lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases in the last week and four additional COVID-19 deaths.

In the last month, 10 Brown County residents have died of COVD-19 raising the total number of county COVID deaths to 56.

October 2021 saw a significant increase in COVID- 19 numbers with 557 cases.

1AIt was the third-highest month for new COVID cases since the pandemic began. Typically, when a spike in COVID case numbers occurs, the death rate rises two weeks later.

Fortunately, this week saw a significant drop in case numbers. The 97 new cases are nearly half of last week’s 185 cases.

State-wide, vaccination rates are increasing. Over 500,000 vaccines were administered in Minnesota last month. Nearly 300,000 vaccines were administered in November.

Brown County has followed this trend with higher vaccination number in October and November than seen in the summer months.

Part of the increase is due to the vaccine being expanded to children 5 and older. The Pfizer vaccine was approved by the FDA for use among children 5-11 years of age. Brown County Public Health began administering the vaccine to children on Nov. 4.

Currently, 64.7% of Brown County’s 5 and older population has received at least one dose of the vaccine. Nearly 80% of the 18 and older population has received one dose of the vaccine.

The COVID-19 vaccines are available free of charge to anyone eligible. Local clinics, pharmacies and public health offices are offering appointments that now include children 5-11 years of age.

For more information, visit co.brown.mn.us. or call Public Health at (507) 233-6820.