COVID update

Barton County Health Department Administrator Joel Dermott stated, “We didn’t start the New Year off on a good note, as our case load continues to climb.” There have been 30 new cases reported in the past seven days.

Dermott pointed out that as the Omicron variant makes its way into the area, number of positive cases are being seen throughout the county. He said, “With cases increasing, we may not be able to make contact with everyone who tests positive in a timely manner”, adding, “The CDC isolation guidelines are posted on the health department’s facebook page. He also stated that individuals with specific questions or needs should feel free to call the health department at their convenience.

Along with the 30 new cases in the past seven days, there have been two additional deaths reported, bringing the county’s total to 34. Dermott said, “It has been a tough couple of weeks for our community and our prayers go out to those who have lost loved ones”, adding, “For the time being, we definitely have our work cut out for us.”

To date there have been 1714 total cases of COVID in Barton County, with 32 active; 34 confirmed deaths; eight probable deaths and 1640 recovered.