Decrease in numbers, not in Covid

From Nov. 23-Nov. 29, Madison County reported 22 new coronavirus cases. One hundred and fifty residents are in quarantine and there have been 23 total hospitalizations. Four county residents are currently hospitalized.

Madison County Public Health Department (MCPHD) is expecting a decrease in cases over the next few weeks, but not because of a decrease in Covid in the community. “That’s not going to happen overnight,” Madison County Public Health Nurse Melissa Brummell said.

MCPHD expects the decrease to come from individuals opting not to get tested. It is human nature to want to be around others over the holidays, Brummell explained, and that is not a possibility while quarantined.

Brummell urges people to stay home while sick or if experiencing symptoms. This is not the time to spread Covid, especially as it gets difficult to differentiate symptoms from seasonal flu or strep, she said. Brummell expects to see a spike in case numbers post New Years.

Another death has been reported in the county. To date three males—two in their 70s and one in his 90s—have died due to coronavirus complications. These three individuals were admitted for respiratory problems due to the coronavirus and were not able to recover.