Greetings Neighbors,
We are all weary of disruptions to our lives over the past two years due to the lengthy path of COVID. Given the continued serious spread of the pandemic, I urge all to maintain responsible caution and re-commit to all necessary efforts at putting COVID in the rear-view mirror.
Dakota County reports county COVID statistics weekly. The January 21, 2022 report indicated a third consecutive week of record-breaking spread of COVID with the highest ever 7-day case rate of 1571. The CDC recommends masking indoors if the 7-day case rate is over 50 and evidence indicates that full vaccination and booster provides the best chance of having mild COVID and are the best means of limiting further spread. There are some positive indicators that this surge may peak soon, and we will be moving toward some semblance of a new normal, in the meantime please stay safe!
Warmest wishes for a healthy 2022,
Dan O’Leary
The following tables starkly illustrate hospitalizations and deaths comparing those who are fully vaccinated with those who are not:
