Recently the Ely School District asked parents of students to tighten their social circles and practice safety measures because of a rise in COVID-19 cases. The case numbers have continued to rise in Ely. KBJR6 reports that there have been 33 confirmed cases in Ely, which is 15% of the total cases in St. Louis County.

Some of the cases have been traveled related, but also cases have been linked back to social gathering and youth sports in Ely. The Minnesota Department of Health has been working with the Ely School District to provide test kits to symptomatic students. They also are encouraging residents to order at home saliva tests to see if they are positive to help slow the spread. There also are tests available at the Essentia Health clinic in Ely.

Get our free mobile app

Mesabi East region has also seen a rise in COVID-19 cases. This includes Biwabik, Aurora, and Hoyt Lakes. The communities are a part of the Mesabi East School District, which recently posted a message this week asking for people to get tested due to a rise in cases. The health department set up a temporary two day testing event at the Aurora Community Center on Monday and Tuesday this week. They had asked students to get tested as well.

While vaccines continue to be distributed, as of now Minnesota still has not opened up the next group of eligible Minnesotans to receive the vaccine. Health officials are urging people to continue to practice social distancing and covid safety measures so we can reach an end to the pandemic.

The 100 Best Places to Live in the Midwest

More From KOOL 101.7