Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Western U.P. sees 25% increase in COVID-19 case rate

By ZACHARY MARANO

[email protected]

HOUGHTON — The COVID-19 case rate for Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Keweenaw and Ontonagon counties has increased by more than 25% since Oct. 20, according to an update from the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department on Thursday.

“The case rate in the Western U.P. jumped from 350.2 cases per 100,000 population to 439.2. That included increases in all five counties. Houghton, Keweenaw and Baraga counties are all over 500,” the update says.

The COVID-19 positivity rate and case count in Houghton County are nearly double what they were over the previou...