NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 18, 2020
CONTACT: Dana Kazel, Communications Manager
218-725-5049 (office) • 218-591-2219 (cell)
50 new confirmed cases reported in St. Louis County today
Fifty new cases of COVID-19 have been announced for St. Louis County today. This is the largest single day increase in the county, to date. The latest cases range in age from younger than 10 to older than 100; with 64% of the cases being people in their teens and 20s. Forty of the 50 cases are in the Duluth area, with the other 10 cases occurring in communities throughout the county.
Cases reported on any given day are typically indicative of virus activity from one to two weeks prior, which means the infections announced today likely occurred since Labor Day.
"We need people to remain vigilant, because the virus' presence in our communities is more prevalent than ever," said Amy Westbrook, St. Louis County Public Health Division Director. "For college and high school students in particular, we understand that you want to be with friends and do normal activities, but it's more important now than ever to follow the recommendations to wear masks, social distance, and absolutely stay home if you're sick. This is to protect your own health and others in the community.
"We've been seeing this troubling trend since July of significant increase in cases in the 15-19 and 20-24 year old age cohorts, and the exposure is often attributed to social gatherings," Westbrook added. "Even when you're with extended family and close friends, people need to be smart about gathering in groups - both indoors and outdoors; and always wear a mask if you can't stay six feet apart."
St. Louis County also has had four deaths reported this past week, all among residents of long term care facilities. Currently, there are seven people hospitalized, with one in Intensive Care. More information about the county's work to prevent the spread, along with a link to the county's COVID-19 online dashboard, can be found at stlouiscountymn.gov/covid19.
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