DRIFTLESS - Over the past week COVID-19, diagnoses statewide increased from 590,831 on Monday, Apr. 19 to 595,049 on Monday, Apr. 26. That is a statewide increase of 4,218 cases. The number of deaths increased from 6,710 to 6,756, an additional 46 deaths, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS). This is the highest weekly death toll since March 23.

The Minnesota Department of Health issued this statement on Monday, April 26, upon confirmation of a COVID-19 related death involving a school-aged child.

We are deeply saddened to confirm that a child under age 10 from southwestern Minnesota has died due to complications from COVID-19. While COVID-related deaths in children are rare, they can occur even in otherwise healthy children. Since the start of the pandemic, three Minnesota children under age 18 have died due to COVID-19. 

Since children under 16 are not yet eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, the best approach we all can take to keep children safe is to make sure those around them who can get vaccinated do get vaccinated, and that we continue to follow those measures that prevent transmission of the virus. Those measures include getting vaccinated as soon as you can, wearing masks when in public, socially distancing, getting tested regularly, staying home if you test positive or if you’re sick, washing your hands and covering your coughs.

Vaccine distribution

As of Monday, April 26, the State of Wisconsin is nearing having 42.1 percent of the population vaccinated with at least one dose.

As of April 126, 41.1 percent (6,626) of Crawford County residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 34 percent (5,483) residents have completed the vaccine series 

In Vernon County, 39.4 percent (12,145) have received at least one dose, and 31.1 percent (9,592) have received two doses.

In Richland County, 42 percent (7,254) have received at least one dose, and 32.8 percent (5,656) have received two doses.

In Grant County, 36.7 percent (18,868) have received at least one dose, and 28.6 percent (14,710) have received two doses.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) will begin using VaccineFinder to help people more easily locate available vaccine providers who are open to the public. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched the VaccineFinder tool in March to help people find COVID-19 vaccine in their area. Next month, the tool will replace the DHS map of COVID-19 vaccine providers that launched in February.

 “DHS is constantly evaluating different tools to make it easier to find available vaccine,” said DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake. “It is critical that we streamline this process so anyone wanting a vaccination can quickly locate available vaccine in their community and get vaccinated.”

COVID variants

In Wisconsin 26.8 percent of all positive COVID tests are for the B.1.1.7 (UK) variant, 11.2 percent for the California variants, 1.8 percent for the South Africa variant, and 1.6 percent for the Brazil variant.

In Minnesota, 57.3 percent of all new COVID cases are for the UK variant, 14.3 percent for the California variants, 0.1 percent for the South Africa variant, and 0.4 percent for the Brazil variant.

In Illinois, 30.4 percent of new tests are for the UK variant, 14.9 percent for the California variants, 9.3 percent for the Brazil variant, and 0.6 percent for the South Africa variant.

In Michigan, 59.7 percent of all new cases are for the UK variant, 5.8 percent for the California variants, 0.3 percent for the Brazil variant, and 0.1 percent for the South Africa variant.

A COVID-19 variant linked to record-breaking case numbers in India has been identified in British Columbia (B.C.). In a prepared statement, a B.C. Ministry of Health official said that 39 cases of the double mutation known as B.1.617 had been found in the province.

For the fourth straight day, India on Sunday set a global daily record of new coronavirus infections, spurred by an insidious new variant that emerged here. The surge has undermined the government’s premature claims of victory over the pandemic.

The 349,691 confirmed infections over the past day brought India’s total to more than 16.9 million cases, behind only the United States. The Health Ministry reported another 2,767 deaths in the past 24 hours, pushing India’s fatalities to 192,311.

Experts say this toll could be a huge undercount, as suspected cases are not included, and many COVID-19 deaths are being attributed to underlying conditions.

Crawford Countysaw an increase in cases in the last week of 38, increasing to 1,738. The number of deaths remained at 17.

Crawford County Public Health continues to offer COVID-19 testing for those with no healthcare provider, no or poor insurance coverage, or part of a disease investigation.  We offer this service on Monday mornings outside the administration building by appointment only.  Community testing sites using National Guard personnel are available in Vernon County twice monthly, Lancaster weekly, and Gays Mills will continue with a monthly clinic.

Vernon Countysaw an increase of eight cases in the last week, increasing to 1,911. The number deaths remained at 45.

Vernon County will continue testing every other Tuesday at the Old County Highway Shop, 602 N. Main Street, in Viroqua on May 4, May 18.

Richland Countysaw an increase of six cases in the last week, increasing to 1,296. Deaths remained at 15.

Monroe Countysaw an increase of 31 cases in the last week, increasing to 4,469. The number of deaths remained at 37.

LaCrosse Countysaw an increase in new cases of 80, increasing to 12,627. The number of deaths remained at 80.