BROWN COUNTY — In the last week, 95 new cases of COVID-19 and one COVID-19 death were reported in Brown County.

The weekly case counts fluctuate, but Brown County is consistently reporting at least 95 new COVID-19 cases a week.

Statewide, Minnesota is experiencing a surge in COVID cases and an increase in hospitalizations. As of Monday, Minnesota has the second-highest case rate of the 50 states. Only Michigan has a higher average COVID case rate.

This led to an increase in hospitalization. Last week, Minnesota had 1,414 hospitalizations. Of the hospitalizations, 340 were admitted to the ICU.

Brown County Public Health Director Karen Mortiz said this is a relatively high number of hospitalizations. It has led to some hospitals being forced to board patients in the emergency rooms.

“The delta variant is extremely contagious and people are getting sick,” Moritz said.

The average age of those being hospitalized is also dropping as is the average age of death. The most recent person to die of COVID in Brown County was under 50 years.

For public health, this trend is concerning as the country prepares for Thanksgiving. Public health is anticipating a further spike in COVID cases as families gather for the holiday.

Public health is recommending anyone immune compromised wear a mask during Thanksgiving celebrations. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is recommending people test for COVID before traveling for Thanksgiving. Anyone feeling sick is advised to stay home.

Moritz said it is too late for an individual to become fully vaccinated before Thanksgiving, but said there is still time to get vaccinated before the Christmas holiday.

A bright spot among the statewide surge is an increase in vaccination rates. Brown County has averaged 128 vaccination a day in November. Part of the increase in vaccination comes from expanding vaccination for children 5-11 years. Public health continues to hold vaccine clinics for age 5-11 every Thursday. New Ulm Medical Center and Sleepy Eye Medical Center have vaccine clinics for children too.

As of Monday, 65.3% of all Brown County residents 5 and older have received at least one dose of the vaccine. Among those 18 and older, 80% have received one dose of the vaccine.

COVID booster shots are available for anyone 18 and older. To be eligible for the Pfizer or Moderna booster, it must be six months since receiving the second dose of the vaccine. Those who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine may receive the booster at two months.

Statewide, data shows COVID vaccines have been effective against the virus.

In Minnesota, the COVID breakthrough rate among people 12 years older is 2.56%. This means, among those vaccinated, only 2.56% have contracted COVID. This means the vaccine is 97% effective in Minnesota.

“The vaccine is working,” Moritz said. Minnesota has removed mask restrictions across the state and relaxed socially distancing and the results are overwhelming.

Moritz said even with breakthrough cases, the rate of hospitalization and death is significantly lower.