New Year Begins With Upswing In COVID Cases

The new year is starting off as an active one for the COVID-19 virus in Ripley County.

The county health center has reported a total of 104 new cases this week bringing the count for January to 202.

A total of 72 new cases were reported Tuesday, covering the extended holiday weekend. On Wednesday, the center reported 32 new cases.

The number of new cases ending Dec. 31, 2020, was 722. The total number of positive cases ending Dec. 31, 2021, was 1,399.

Heatlh center director Tammy Cosgrove is asking everyone to please take precautions while the numbers continue to remain high in the county.

“Stay out of big crowds, wear a mask, wash your hands often, and use hand sanitizer often. We all need to do our part,” Cosgrove said.