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Monroe sees rise in COVID-19 cases

Harrison reports second coronavirus-related death

WOODSFIELD — Monroe County experienced a steep increase in coronavirus cases over the past few days, going from single digits to more than 40 active cases in the county.

Harrison County has also seen a slight rise in cases this past few days, and the Harrison County Health Department also announced the county’s fourth COVID-19 related death Tuesday.

As of Tuesday, the Monroe County Health Department reported 156 total confirmed cases since March, with 99 recoveries and 16 deaths. There are 41 active cases in the county, they said. Statistics reported by the state at coronavirus.ohio.gov differ — 152 total cases, 94 recoveries and 18 deaths, leaving 40 active infections.

Amanda Sefert, public information officer of the Monroe County Health Department, said there is no particular event or place in which the virus was contracted. It is all community-based spread, she said.

“We have not seen anything in particular in one certain area. It’s just throughout the county,” she said.

There have been no concentrated areas where the active cases have been more prevalent, Sefert said.

“We’ve increased 33 active cases in a week,” she said. “They are all spread throughout the county.”

The county remains at level one, or yellow, on the Ohio Public Health Advisory System. The information is updated weekly on Thursdays. Officials are unsure if the county will be moved up a level this week, but the health department will be notified if so when the update is made.

Sefert said officials have seen some possible community spread of the virus through sharing rides in vehicles.

“We’re hoping people don’t ride in vehicles unless they live in the same household,” she said.

The health department continues to encourage social distancing, facial coverings and hand washing and sanitizing.

“Wear those masks because you just don’t know who could be (COVID-19) positive. It (the virus) could be anywhere, so always wear a mask,” Sefert said.

The health department is also encouraging residents to receive their annual flu vaccination this year. The department has a walk-up flu shot clinic set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Monroe County Veterans Office, 118 Home Ave., Woodsfield. The clinic is offering free flu shots to all veterans who attend. The clinic is by appointment only. All those wishing to attend must call the health department at 740-472-1677, ext. 2, to schedule an appointment.

Due to the rise in cases, some county offices will be restricted to the public until further notice. Treasurer Taylor Abbott announced via social media that due to some staff members in numerous offices being under quarantine protocol for possible exposure, the following offices will be restricted to the public: the Treasurer’s Office, Auditor’s Office, Clerk of Courts Office, Car Title Office, County Court Office, Prosecutor’s Office and Tax Map Office.

The offices will still continue to operate between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays.

“Those needing to bring documents to the courthouse are once again asked to use the blue drop box outside the building. Documents will be collected and distributed to each office accordingly,” Abbott stated.

The drop box is located outside the front door of the county courthouse in Woodsfield. Further updates concerning the office restrictions will be announced in the coming days.

Although some of the offices have chosen to temporarily restrict access, the courthouse remains open to the public.

In Harrison County, the most recent death was announced online.

“Today we must also unfortunately report the death of a 65-year-old Harrison County resident who was positive for COVID-19,” the health department stated on social media.

“We send our deepest condolences to the friends and family of these individuals. To respect privacy, no other identifiable information will be released.”

As of Tuesday, the county has had 79 confirmed cases, with 68 recoveries and four deaths. There are seven active cases in Harrison County.

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