Vernon County COVID-19 cases continue to rise

The Vernon County Health Department has announced the total confirmed positive cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is now at 132, with an additional eight probable cases. Of these cases, 15 remain active while the other 124 have recovered. There have been 3,932 negative tests administered. No cases are currently hospitalized.

Of note is the significant increase in the "probable" cases, formerly at two and now at eight. According to the Vernon County Health Department, the following would classify as a "probable" case:

• Meets clinical criteria and epidemiologic evidence with no confirmatory laboratory testing performed for COVID-19.

• Meets presumptive laboratory evidence and either clinical criteria or epidemiologic evidence.

• Meets vital records criteria with no confirmatory laboratory testing performed for COVID-19.

In contrast, a "confirmed" case meets confirmatory laboratory evidence — meaning a test was done and the individual tested positive.