BROWN COUNTY — In the last week, Brown County Public Health reported two new COVID-related deaths and 60 new cases of COVID- 19.

This represents a decrease in COVID cases. Brown County was averaging over 90 cases a week. The drop in cases numbers could represent the start of a downward trend, but it could also mean positive cases are going unreported.

Brown County Public Health Director Karen Mortiz said at-home COVID testing is more common. The lower positive numbers could mean people are testing positive at home and not reporting it to the state.

Hospitalizations are still high across the state. Around 79% of Minnesota hospitals are without open ICU beds. Only two open ICU beds are available in south-central Minnesota.

Moritz said as long as hospitals are filled, the pandemic has not peaked.

Moritz said the delta variant of COVID is still predominant in Brown County and Minnesota, but omicron is present in the state and is expected to become the most common form of the virus.

At this time it is unknown how omicron is different from the delta. The COVID vaccines are shown to be effective against the delta variant, but it is unknown if the vaccines will be effective against omicron.

“The vaccine is still the best option against COVID,” Moritz said. Most area pharmacies have the vaccine and boosters available. Anyone who received the first two vaccines of Moderna or Pfizer six months ago is eligible for a booster. Those who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are eligible for a booster after two months.

In Brown County, over 67% of the residents 5 and older have received at least one dose of the vaccine and 82% of residents 18 and older have received at least one dose. The high vaccination rate among adults is mainly from senior citizens.

Moritz said the 18 to 49 year old demographic has among the lowest vaccination rate. Only half the people in this age group have been vaccinated. Moritz warned that the virus is starting to impact younger people. The delta variant is not as selective and is hitting younger people worse. The concern is with further mutations COVID will eventually move toward hurting younger people.

Moritz said choosing not to get the vaccine because “it probably won’t happen to me” is not a winning strategy.

Even people who recover from COVID-19 can face long-term side effects of the virus. Lung damage is possible. Some people require home oxygen after recovering COVID. Others have struggled with fatigue, shortness of breath. Some people never recover their sense of smell or taste.

“This virus is extremely unpredictable,” Moritz said. “No one knows what is around the corner.”

With the upcoming Christmas holiday, there is concern the virus may spike again. Public health is encouraging everyone to test before attending holiday get-togethers. If attending large indoor gathers, masking is still recommended even for those who are vaccinated.