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BROWN COUNTY -- Over the last week, Brown County saw 89 new cases of COVID-19 and two deaths.
These numbers represent a decrease from last week's COVID figures, but the county has already recorded six COVID deaths in December and hospitals are still being overwhelmed.
Brown County Public Health Director Karen Moritz said hospitals are struggling to find room for patients. Statewide, the availability of ICU beds is limited. Only 13 ICU beds are available in the state, with two beds located in south-central Minnesota.
Moritz said ICU patients who can come home still require oxygen. This is also limited in supply.
Brown County Public Health continues to encourage vaccination. Moritz said the vast majority of those hospitalized for COVID are unvaccinated.
In Brown County, 66.8% of the 5 years and older population have received at least one dose of the vaccine and 81.4% of the 18 and older have received at least one dose.
Moritz said there was a robust response once the vaccine became available for children 5-11 years, but the response has started to slow.
Demand for the booster shot remains high. Moritz said the booster clinics held each Tuesday are full. Anyone who received the first two doses of Moderna or Pfizers six months ago is eligible for the booster. Those who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are eligible after two months.
Booster clinic hours are 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. each Tuesday in December. Appointments can be made at www.co.brown.mn.COVID vaccine or call 507-233-6820 to schedule a COVID-19 booster dose.
Clinics for the first and second doses are available each Thursday for all ages 5 and older.