Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By Zachary Marano
zmarano@yourdailyglobe.com
Ironwood — The Delta variant of the coronavirus has been identified in Gogebic County, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Bureau of Laboratories. A COVID-19 update from Thursday said there were two confirmed cases of the Delta variant in the county.
“When a variant is identified or suspected, additional measures take place, such as a strict 14-day quarantine,” said Kate Beer, health officer for the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department. “A new variant in our community is concerning since it can be related to higher transmission rates. Residents across the jurisdiction are reminded to continue practicing mitigation strategies including mask wearing in public spaces, social distancing, hand washing and getting vaccinated. These actions help slow the spread of the virus.”
In addition to the two cases in Gogebic County, another six confirmed cases of the Delta variant were identified in Houghton County.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the Delta variant has increased transmissibility and current monoclonal antibody treatments may be less effective against it.
“With the high transmission rate of the Delta variant, vaccination is more important than ever,” a release from the WUPHD said. “Vaccination is currently open to anyone 12 and older. Vaccinations can be scheduled with local providers by calling your local health department office, your physician’s office or by visiting coppercountrystrong.com/vaccine.”
Over the past two weeks, the WUPHD has posted more new cases of variants of the coronavirus. Gogebic County has the highest number of new COVID-19 cases with 22 new cases.
There have been 10 new cases in Houghton County, seven in Baraga County and two in Ontonagon County. There have not been any cases in Keweenaw County. A total of 41 new cases have been posted in the five-county area.
Zona Wick, public information officer for Iron County Public Health, said that the health department in Hurley is not testing people for the delta variant.