Minnesota had a good weekend with the COVID-19 news. Active cases are down to 5,720, our lowest point since mid-September. The number of hospitalized patients is down, and the number of new hospitalizations is falling. No new deaths due to COVID-19 were reported in the state on Monday.

Brown County has been doing well, too. Brown County Public Health reported two new cases on Monday since its last report on Friday. The number of active cases is down to 13. It has been quite a while since a new death was recorded.

Part of the reason for all of this is the number of vaccinations, which is starting to climb again. About 2.8 million Minnesotans 16 and older have at least one vaccination dose, while 2.5 million have completed their vaccinations. That’s about 56.8 percent of the 16 and older population who have been fully vaccinated, and about 63.5 percent with at least one shot. Minnesota would like to see us get to 70 percent vaccinated, which could happen in June.

We know people are enjoying the relief of not having to wear masks outside, and there is more relief from COVID restrictions on the way, but they all depend on people maintaining their vigilance, getting vaccinations if they haven’t had one already, washing hands and sanitizing things you touch a lot. The virus is still out there, and it doesn’t take vacations.