With 59 new COVID-19 cases reported, Thursday, Oct. 29, marked the highest single-day total for Crow Wing County since the pandemic began amid a record-breaking rise in cases statewide.

Those confirmed cases brought the county’s overall tally to 1,143 — 263 of which are active infections, according to data provided by county officials. Two more Crow Wing County hospitalizations were recorded, meaning 26 residents required hospital-level care because of the disease caused by the coronavirus this month.

For the 12th day in a row, residents of the region were among those who succumbed due to COVID-19 complications. Of the 32 deaths tallied Thursday, two were Mille Lacs County residents and one lived in Todd County. The Mille Lacs County residents were 75-79 years old and 85-89 years old and the Todd County resident was also in their late 80s.

Area impacts

Crow Wing County government announced a third change to its services this week by suspending the public fingerprinting service offered by the sheriff’s office.

All fingerprinting appointments scheduled will be canceled, and the county reported at this time, it’s uncertain when normal operations will resume. Those with questions concerning the change may call 218-822-7050 and press zero to speak to a representative.

Wednesday, the county announced it would no longer allow the public into its land services building for the time being, while late last week, the community services building was the first to close again to the public due to staff exposures to COVID-19.

Each day seems to bring with it new impacts on area businesses as cases swell. In a Facebook post Thursday, Roundhouse Brewery in Nisswa reported a staff member tested positive and the business would close through at least Nov. 6. All events scheduled at the site through Nov. 5 are canceled.

“We have worked with MDH (Minnesota Department of Health) and identified those who had close contact with the case, and have communicated with them individually. The risk of exposure to our customers and other individuals present in the building are and were, no greater than the risk of contracting the virus in the general community,” the post stated. “However, we want to keep you all safe and our staff as well, so we can come back soon and start slinging brews again.”

While there have been no positive cases there, the Dorcas Thrift Store in Brainerd announced plans to be closed beginning Nov. 23 until January 2021.

On a social media post, the Christian-based organization stated the increase in positive cases in the area combined with the age of volunteers led to the decision. The last day the organization will take donations will be Monday, Nov. 23.

“After that we will no longer be accepting donations, so please be respectful and do not leave anything outside,” the organization stated. “The drop off closet will be locked. The garage will also be closed. We will reassess the situation throughout December and update again.”

COVID-19 data as of Oct. 29

• Aitkin — 198 (+33 since Friday, Oct. 23), with two deaths.

• Cass — 422 (+65), with five deaths.

• Crow Wing — 1,143 (+163), with 22 (+1) deaths.

• Mille Lacs — 449 (+62), with 18 (+3) deaths.

• Morrison — 825 (+131), with 10 (+2) deaths.

• Todd — 896 (+127), with seven (+2) deaths.

• Wadena — 264 (+49), with three deaths.

NOTE: These numbers are cumulative since March 21 and many are out of isolation.