Local health officials at North Shore Health and Cook County Public Health report the first confirmed death of a Cook County resident due to COVID-19.

Cook County was the last of Minnesota’s 87 counties to record a confirmed death due to COVID-19.  Public Health and North Shore Health are unable to share additional details about the case due to medical privacy.

“Our sympathies go out to the loved ones during their time of loss,” said Kimber Wraalstad, North Shore Health Administrator. “As COVID-19 continues to impact Cook County, everyone should follow the recommended public health guidance to protect one another and keep each other safe and well.”

“This pandemic has been hard on everyone, and the news of our first COVID-linked death adds a new layer of grief.  While the pandemic continues to impact the health of our community, we have tools to keep ourselves and those around us safer,” said Public Health Supervisor, Grace Grinager. “Stay home when you are sick, get a COVID-19 test right away if you have any symptoms of COVID-19, and answer calls from our local contact tracing team—all help lessen the amount of this virus is spreading locally.  We also urge residents to consider vaccination—including booster doses for those who are eligible, as vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent severe disease due to COVID-19,” Grinager added. 

In addition to caring for our physical health, local health officials encourage everyone to find ways to support a sense of well-being—both as individuals and as a community.  Support is available locally by calling Cook County Public Health and Human Services at 218-387-3620 or the regional mental health crisis and resource line at 844-772-4724.

Visit http://cookcountycovid19.org for the latest information on COVID-19 in Cook County including information on local testing options, vaccine registration, as well as to find links to information on COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).