CADIZ — Harrison County experienced an increase in its COVID-19 cases over the past week and had 25 confirmed cases as of Friday.

Health Department Administrator Garen Rhome said the county now has the most active cases it has had since the pandemic began. The county currently has nine active COVID-19 cases, along with 15 recoveries and one death.

Rhome said the county has received nine new cases in the last 14 days, six of which occurred in the last week. The health department has not identified any specific causes for the increase in cases.

The active cases include two minors, while the rest range in age from an individual in their 20s up to an individual in their 70s. There are currently no hospitalizations, Rhome said.

Rhome said he expects to report a few additional recoveries over the weekend.

“They are recovering physically from their symptoms and also with the time frame they’ve been isolated,” he said.

Rhome said the county still remains at Level 1, or yellow, on Ohio’s color-coded Public Health Advisory System. So do Belmont and Monroe counties, but Jefferson County is at Level 2, orange.

“Harrison County has tripped zero of the seven possible indicators so far,” he said. “It’s not going to take much to trip an indicator. … Even at zero indicators, we’re still in a cautious, recognizing active spread in the community, but not at an increased level of advisory.”

The health department continues to advise residents to don facial coverings when in public spaces, social distance, and wash and sanitize hands often.

Additionally, Rhome said he has added one more tip to the list: Make good choices.

“They all work together. … I’m adding another layer to that and that is make good choices. You really have to be vigilant about what you decide to attend or where you decide to go, how you spend your free time. … Make good choices, make smart choices,” he said.

The department continues to provide free face coverings to residents in need of one. Anyone in need of a facial covering may contact the health department at 740-942-2616.