Health & Fitness

These Undervaccinated MN Counties Could See COVID-19 Surge

Undervaccinated parts of the country are most at risk for another surge in coronavirus cases as the delta variant spreads.

The delta variant is extremely contagious and is spreading quickly across the United States and much of the world. The Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be effective against the variant.
The delta variant is extremely contagious and is spreading quickly across the United States and much of the world. The Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be effective against the variant. (Shutterstock)

MINNESOTA — Thanks to their relatively high vaccination rates, the counties of the Twin Cities metro area are protected against another potential surge from the delta variant of the coronavirus.

The delta variant is extremely contagious and is spreading quickly across the United States and much of the world. The Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be effective against the delta variant.

But undervaccinated portions of the country are experiencing a surge in cases, hospitalizations and deaths. Baxter County, Arkansas — where less than a third of residents are vaccinated — is currently seeing a spike of its own.

Find out what's happening in Across Minnesotawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I started having flashbacks, like PTSD," Dr. Rebecca Martin, a pulmonologist at Baxter Regional Medical Center, told The New York Times. "This is going to sound very selfish, but unfortunately it’s true: The fact that people won’t get vaccinated means I can’t go home and see my kids for dinner."

Financial World Reacts

Stocks on Wall Street plunged Monday as investors feared how rising coronavirus cases could lead to more shutdowns worldwide, CNBC reported.

Find out what's happening in Across Minnesotawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Dow dropped 2.4 percent; the S&P 500 fell 1.9 percent, and the Nasdaq fell by 1.3 percent Monday.

These Minnesota Counties Are Most At Risk For Another Surge

Clearwater County: 34 percent of all residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Todd County: 36 percent of all residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Wadena County: 37 percent of all residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Morrison County: 38 percent of all residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Mille Lacs County: 38 percent of all residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Isanti County: 39 percent of all residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Kanabec County: 39 percent of all residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.


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