COVID cases continue downward trend, but deaths rise

Matt Baide | Sep 23, 20210

Mason County recorded 135 cases of COVID-19 last week, once again decreasing from the previous week.

Five deaths occurred in the past week, an increase from one death the previous week, bringing the total in Mason County to 53. The most recent deaths were two men, between 50 and 69 years, two men in their 70s and an 83-year-old woman.

The county has recorded 284 cases in the past 14 days and the case rate per 100,000 is down to 437.

As of Tuesday, five people were hospitalized with COVID in Mason County and one was hospitalized outside of Mason County. The vaccination rate has increased to 49.2%, up 0.8% from last week, although it could be higher since the state data was not updated at the time of the county’s daily data email.

According to the state Department of Health COVID data dashboard, 69.9% of people 12 and older are fully vaccinated.

Pfizer announced Monday it is seeking U.S. authorization for its COVID vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11. A U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel voted unanimously Friday to approve a third shot of the Pfizer vaccine for people 65 and older, anyone at risk of severe illness and those with jobs that have a higher risk of exposure. The FDA is expected to release a decision about booster shots soon.