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200 new COVID-19 cases since Monday

Webster County Public Health urges safe Thanksgiving

Webster County saw an increase of 203 additional COVID-19 positive cases between Monday and Wednesday, according to the Webster County Public Health Department.

The new cases bring the county’s cumulative total to 3,867, with 348 cases current open and in isolation.

“We have had more than 200 positive tests since Monday morning,” said Kelli Bloomquist, Webster County Public Health public information officer. “We need residents to take this virus seriously in order to protect our communities and local health care systems. The risk of contracting COVID-19 is extraordinary right now due to community spread.”

With Thanksgiving today, WCPH is urging residents to stay home and avoid large family gatherings because of the increased COVID-19 activity in the area.

“Celebrating virtually or only with the people that you live with is the safest choice this Thanksgiving holiday,” Bloomquist said. “Community spread of COVID-19 is extraordinary right now. Our region’s positive case numbers continue to increase, and our health care and public health systems are stressed. Staying home and not celebrating in large gatherings will prevent multiple mass super spreader events.”

WCPH will continue its contact tracing of new COVID-19 cases through the holiday and the department asks that residents answer their phones if contact tracers call on Thanksgiving.

“This pandemic has forced many of us to make difficult decisions, about school, work, travel and family gatherings,” said Dr. Kelli Wallace, medical director for Webster County Health Department. “Unfortunately this virus doesn’t care if we’re gathering for a holiday with family we have been missing, or a funeral or a game. Please make the decision to celebrate Thanksgiving with immediate family only. Keep gatherings small, distance when you can and wear masks.”

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