There are 51 Nobles County persons who currently have COVID-19 infections within the 10-day isolation period, according to the data released Wednesday by the Nobles County COVID-19 Joint Information Team. That number is three less than the active case count released on Dec. 17.
Nobles County infection counts as reported Tuesday by the Minnesota Department of Health were 5,405 total confirmations – 29 more than reported Dec. 16 – along with 5,298 cases that are past the 10-day isolation. An additional death was reported Tuesday morning to the MDH, bringing Nobles County to 56 total COVID deaths.
Nobles County Emergency Management Director Tawn Hall said county health officials are continuing to monitor updates on COVID variants -- including the newest variant, Omicron.
"Omicron is difficult to spot, as it looks very much like the common cold," Hall said in a press release. "In fact, 20 months ago, that is what we would have called it. Cough, runny/ stuffy nose, fatigue, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, fever, and sneezing are the reported symptoms. It is understandable as to why people do not know they have it if they do. Symptoms are constant for both vaccinated or non-vaccinated individuals."
The 51 known, currently-infected residents fall into the following age ranges and are indicated along with the change from the previous report: birth-age 10, 12 (up five); 11-15, one (down three); 16-19, one (up one); 20-25, six (up one); 26-50, 18 (down six); 51-64, seven (down one); and ages 65 and older, six (same).
A third vaccine shot is now recommended to be administered for those who are immunocompromised. Also now available is a booster shot, which does not have to be the same vaccine brand as the original doses.
Area private-vaccine providers in Nobles County, all in Worthington, are Access Family Medical Clinic/Avera Medical Group, Hy-Vee Pharmacy, Sanford Health, Sterling Drug and Walgreens.
Contact Nobles County Public Health at 295-5213 for more COVID-related information.
