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New COVID-19 cases hit triple digits

195 more cases reported for Webster County

Webster County Public Health announced 195 new cases of the novel coronavirus in Webster County Thursday, the first update since Sept. 22.

The new cases mark a 15% increase in total cases over the last nine days for the county, bringing its total to 1,436. Of those, 112 remain open under public health monitoring. The county’s death toll remains static at 14.

Total cases have increased 36% over the last month. On Sept. 2, the county’s total caseload was 1,056.

Five previous case updates over September ranged from 31 to 57 new cases with each announcement, though the increases were tallied over periods much shorter than nine days.

The cases fall into the following age categories:

• Children (age 0-17): 81

• Adults (age 18-40): 662

• Middle-aged adults (age 41-60): 448

• Older adults (age 61-80): 207

• Elderly adults (age 81+): 38

Children have been most affected by the increase in cases, with an 84% increase in the category since Sept. 2, when there were 44 cases. The second most affected category was middle-aged adults, with a 40% increase in cases. On Sept. 2, that category totaled 320 cases.

WCPH strongly encourages individuals to only attend events or gatherings if social distancing and mask wearing is enforced. COVID-19 continues to spread through close contact of individuals, especially when masks are not worn and social distancing is not practiced, the department advised.

Testing continues to be available at UnityPoint Health through primary care physicians and at Community Health Center of Fort Dodge by calling ahead for an appointment.

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