Four counties report new cases

By TONY FYFFE
BSN Editor

New coronavirus cases were reported during the last week in Lawrence, Johnson, Floyd and Martin counties. Four new cases were reported in Lawrence County, including three on Monday who are “contacts of a previously identified positive case,” according to the Lawrence County Health Department.
“All are isolated at home,” the health department said on its Facebook page Monday.
Another positive case was reported in Lawrence County Thursday. The ages and genders of the new cases were not identified by the agency. As of Monday, Lawrence County has had a total of 12 COVID-19 cases, including the four new cases and eight that have been released from isolation.
A 16-year-old symptomatic girl was reported as Johnson County’s newest case Saturday.
“All contacts have been notified and everyone is quarantined,” the Johnson County Health Department said on its Facebook page. On Thursday, the health department announced that a 55-year-old symptomatic woman tested positive for the coronavirus and isolating at home. Her contacts have been notified and are quarantined, the department said. Johnson County’s total cases are at 11. “We have done a good job of mitigating the spread of novel coronavirus so far,” the health department said, advising residents to “use caution” over the 4th of July holiday. Six new cases were announced by the Floyd County Health Department, bringing the county’s total to 35 as of Monday. In announcing one new case last Wednesday, July 1, the health department advised anyone who attended services at the Dwale Free Pentecostal Church on Sunday, June 28, of “a possible exposure.” “We believe there is minimal risk if social distancing, masks, and other measures were used while there,” the agency said on its Facebook page.” The health department also responded Monday to concerns regarding Floyd County Bingo. “On Saturday afternoon we found out that a person who tested positive for COVID 19 was at Bingo on Friday,” the department said on its Facebook page. “That person advised us that a mask and precautions were used. After talking with the bingo management Saturday evening, they decided to close the bingo building for two weeks due to increases in cases in our area and we feel that was a good decision. Please follow them regarding the date to reopen. “If you were there Friday you should have worn your mask, used hand sanitizer, been monitored for a temperature, and followed other precautions . If you did not you should monitor for signs and symptoms and consider getting tested.” The Martin County Health Department reported two new cases, including a 50-year-old symptomatic woman last Wednesday, July 1, and a symptomatic man in his 70s on Tuesday. Both are isolating at home, and neither case appears to be travel related, according to the health department. The cases bring Martin County’s total confirmed cases to nine, with four individuals recovered and five active.