There has been an increase of 29 new COVID-19 cases in Webster County since Friday, according to Webster County Public Health.

The county’s cumulative case total is now 4,240 with 198 currently open and in isolation.

Also since Friday, Webster County Public Health reported that three additional Webster County residents have died due to COVID-19, bringing the total death count to 42.

“I have seen a lot of social media posts from people believing that numbers are somehow trending downward and that COVID is getting better. But this just isn’t true,” said Kelli Bloomquist, public information officer for WCPH. “Webster County — as is all of Iowa — remains at critical levels. Our health care, public health and skilled nursing facilities are stressed. More people are getting very sick with COVID and we are entering the winter season of RSV, influenza and more, and we will soon see the increased cases from Thanksgiving gatherings.”

WCPH is urging people to wear masks in public, social distance, limit gatherings, wash hands frequently and stay home when sick.

“These are needs, not wants,” Bloomquist said. “We need the Webster County public to take this seriously.”