More COVID-related deaths confirmed as new-case numbers drop

Although the number of newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 continues to drop locally and in the state, the number of COVID-19-related deaths continues to move upward.

Deaths often occur weeks or even months after the cases are confirmed. Health agencies list the date the death was reported rather than when it occurred.

In the last week, COVID-19-related deaths have been reported in Blaine, Hill and Liberty counties.

County totals of COVID-19-related deaths are 72 in Hill, 32 in Blaine, 14 in Chouteau and four in Liberty.

Since the omicron variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 was conf...