Douglas County has smallest increase of new COVID-19 cases in eight weeks

The number of COVID-19 cases in Douglas County bumped up by four on Tuesday, Dec. 8 -- the county's smallest one-day increase in nearly eight weeks.

The new data from the Minnesota Department of Health shows the county has a cumulative total of 3,013 confirmed cases since virus tracking began. The total was 3,009 on Dec. 7 after climbing 298 cases in one week, or an average of 43 new cases a day.

The last time the county's case total increased by such a small amount was back on Oct. 15 when the total cases increased from 528 to 532.

The number of people who have died from the virus in the county stayed at 44 for the third straight day.

According to Horizon Public Health , Douglas County has 334 active cases of COVID-19.

Statewide, 3,080 new COVID-19 cases were added, according to the new data, bringing the state's cumulative total to 359,203. Also, 22 new deaths were recorded, increasing the death toll to 4,027.

To prevent the spread of the virus, federal, state and local health leaders urge people to wash their hands often; watch their distance by staying at least six feet from others; wear a face mask; and to stay home if they are feeling sick.