Caron: Pandemic of the unvaccinated

As COVID-19 positive cases skyrocket in the area, Steele County’s top public health official is taking aim at the 34% who have neglected to get their vaccine.
“We are dealing with a pandemic of the unvaccinated at this point,” said Amy Caron, director for Steele County Public Health.
Caron said little progress has been made recently to get the remaining 34% of people 16 and older vaccinated. Steele County’s vaccination rate sits at 66.2%, according to Caron.
Within the past month, COVID-19 positive cases have swelled by 764 in Steele County alone, compared to 248 cases the previous month. To date, Steele County has experienced 5,043 COVID cases and 21 deaths. Caron said the two most recent deaths involved men in their 50s and 80s and not living in long-term care facilities.
Caron said the majority of positive cases involve people between the ages of 18-39. And, she added, most of them have not been vaccinated.
The surge of COVID cases, Caron said, is causing a strain at local hospitals. At Owatonna hospital, she said the ICU is full with at least 10 COVID patients. “That’s worrisome to someone like me if I have a medical emergency (and there is no room),” she said.
Caron said it has become difficult to pinpoint exactly where people are picking up COVID. She said it’s not known if any new cases have been linked to the recent Steele County Free Fair, which attracted about 300,000 people in six days.
“It’s widespread community spread,” Caron said.
Steele County Public Health continues to offer weekly vaccine clinics on Wednesdays. People wishing to get their vaccinations should register online at www.co.steele.mn.us.
No vaccine has been approved yet for 5-12 year olds, Caron said.
“Every vaccine that someone gets is one step closer to ending the pandemic,” Caron said. “Get your vaccine if you haven’t. It’s our strongest tool in our toolbox.”
Caron has found there are good reasons to get vaccinated. “This is the most studied immunization in history,” she said. “There is no reason for anyone to make the argument to not get vaccinated. Science doesn’t lie.”
She added, “This virus isn’t really a strong virus, but it’s smart.”
Caron’s local department has relinquished trace investigations of positive cases back to the Minnesota Department of Health. That means anyone getting COVID in the future will receive calls from the state and not Steele County.
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COVID-19 VACCINE WATCH
                     Percent of Residents           
Steele:           66.2%                       
Dodge:           65.8%    
Source: Steele County Public Health
 
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