COVID-19 Cases Jump

Jasper County currently stands at 168 Covid-19 cases, which is a significant increase from last week’s published 129 cases.

According to the North Central Health District’s (NCHD) weekly report, Jasper had collected 519 testing specimens as of August 9 at the Jasper County Health Department which tests individuals by appointment on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. until noon.

As with weeks past, each of the NCHD 13 counties rank in the substantial spread transmission category which is measured by having greater than 101 cases per 100,000 county residents.

The NCHD has classified Jasper County as an area of concern with confirmed case counts, as well as emergency room visits associated with COVID-19 and ILI Syndromes, have increased amongst Jasper County residents, according to the weekly update.

“The increase in cases cannot be attributed solely to congregate setting outbreaks. Due to this we are watching the situation closely and working with our partners to ensure that precautions amongst residents are encouraged,” said the report.

The update reports that there has been a 22 percent increase in newly confirmed cases locally between the weeks of July 6-19 and July 20-August 2. During those same weeks there were increases in the incidence rate which went from 192 per 100,000 population to 235 per 100,000 population.

With cases of the virus indeed on the rise in rural areas, residents are encouraged to be vigilant about: covering your coughs and sneezes; clean your hands often using hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands; avoid sharing personal household items; and clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday.