As the country continues to see another rise in the number of COVID-19 cases; Switzerland County continues to also see a surge in cases of the pandemic.
Switzerland County Health Officer Dr. Scott Frede says that as cooler weather hits the area and more people move inside, there is an ever greater urgency for people to follow state guidelines and wear a mask and practice social distancing.
In his report to the community dated Monday, November 30th, Dr. Frede again says that cases here are on the rise.
As of Monday, he reports that the overall count for Switzerland County is now 285 positive cases — and the county suffered its fifth and sixth deaths from the virus since March.
“There are currently 37 active cases, Dr. Frede said in his report. “Over 2,500 residents have been tested. Our contact tracing continues to show community spread through family/friend social gatherings, including weddings, baby showers, birthday parties and informal social gatherings without masks or social distancing.”
The rise in the number of cases overall is nearly exponential growth:
• October 26th: 98 positive cases.
• November 3rd: 114 positive cases.
• November 9th: 172 positive cases.
• November 11th: 197 positive cases.
• November 12th: 204 positive cases.
• November 16th: 210 positive cases.
• November 17th: 242 positive cases.
• November 23rd: 260 positive cases.
• November 30th: 285 positive cases.
Essentially for the month of November (from October 26th to November 30th), the total number of cases here in Switzerland County has grown by 187 — so 65.6% of the county’s overall cases have been diagnosed in the past month.
In the last week, from Monday, November 23rd to Monday, November 30th Switzerland County has seen a rise in the number of cases of 25.
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As has been going on for the past several weeks, Dr. Frede reminds everyone that free, outdoor testing in your own vehicle without a doctor’s order is available at the Switzerland County Medical Building through a partnership with the Switzerland County Health Department, The Indiana State Department of Health and Kings Daughters Health.
The program is for testing only. Ill patients or people who wish to consult with their healthcare provider should call their healthcare provider as usual. There is signage indicating directions.
The hours of free testing are” Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the first and third Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. until noon.
Those wishing to be tested are asked to register through https://scheduling.coronavirus.in.gov or call (812) 801-8707 for instructions.
“Mask up, Wash up, keep your distance,” Dr. Frede reminds everyone. “If you or your family are ill, do not send your kids to school and stay home from work.”