ICHD continues COVID-19 vaccinations

By RICHARD JENKINS

rjenkins@yourdailyglobe.com

Hurley — The Iron County Health Department has been receiving small amounts of COVID-19 vaccinations and has begun scheduling appointments for county residents over the age of 65.

“Last week, the Iron County Health Department asked individuals 65 and older to call the health department and sign up for COVID-19 vaccines to be placed on an eligibility list. Over 500 residents called and signed up,” a department spokesperson said in an update Monday. “The health department is receiving a vaccine allocation today and so began calling and scheduling appointments for Wednesday and Friday this week.”

Only those with appointments and photo identification will be vaccinated, according to the department, and residents are asked to arrive at their exact appointment times.

Due to the observation time for each vaccination and social distancing requirements, a strict schedule is needed.

Anyone arriving early will be asked to wait in their cars.

People are asked to wear short-sleeved shirts and a mask to their vaccinations.

Iron County has had 469 positive cases and 112 probables over the course of the pandemic, according to Monday’s update. This includes 68 active cases, 31 cases where hospitalization has been required and 36 deaths.

Gogebic County has had 815 positive cases and 317 probables for a pandemic total of 1,132, the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department reported Monday. This includes 22 active cases and 42 deaths.

Ontonagon County has had 315 positives, 32 probables, 18 deaths and four active cases through Monday, according to the WUPHD update.

Even as the number of locals who have received the COVID-19 vaccine continues to grow, health officials continue to stress that people need to continue the other steps to mitigate the spread of the virus — such as wearing a mask, social distancing, staying home when possible and frequently washing their hands.