COVID update

According to Barton County Health Department Administrator Joel Dermott, not much has changed in a week, with current activity mirroring what was seen over Thanksgiving.

Thirteen new cases were recorded in the past seven days, with no additional deaths. Positivity rate remains steady and the trend line is still favorable.

Dermott stated that the colder weather would drive everyone indoors more in the upcoming months, which will likely increase cases, adding, “To what level remains the question”.

The Omicron variant has been identified in the state; however, it is much too early to tell what that really means. Dermott noted, “The Delta variant remains the predominant strain both statewide and nationally”.

To date there have been 1583 cases, with 13 active, 31 confirmed deaths, eight probable deaths, 1531 recovered and 13 new cases in the past seven days.