Multiple COVID related deaths reported locally in the past week

Since last Dec. 3, there have been six COVID-19 related deaths reported in Monroe County and four deaths in Randolph County.

Monroe County Health Department Administrator John Wagner on Dec. 3 reported four deaths, noting that all were related to long term care facilities, with one being a past death just now reported. On Dec. 8, he reported two additional deaths, although these two were not from a long term care facility.

This brings the total amount of COVID-19 related deaths in Monroe County up to 51, with the vast majority coming from a long term care facility.

Randolph County Health Department Administrator Angela Oathout reported two deaths on Dec. 4 and another two on Dec. 7. 

The total amount of COVID-19 related deaths for Randolph County is now up to 31.

Wagner noted in his report on Dec. 8 that Monroe County is up to a total of 2,397 confirmed positive cases. Of those, 312 cases were active with 25 individuals hospitalized.

He also announced that there will be free COVID-19 testing again at the Monroe County Annex, 901 Illinois Avenue in Waterloo, on Thursday, Dec. 10 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more COVID-19 updates, please see this week’s print edition.