Vernon County active COVID-19 cases increases to 39

The Vernon County Health Department released updated county-wide COVID-19 numbers Tuesday afternoon.

As of 6 p.m., Monday, Sept. 21, Vernon County's total confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 has risen to 164, with 19 probable cases. Of these, 39 remain active (this includes both confirmed AND probable cases).

To date, there have been 143 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 in Vernon County; one death; 21 travel related; 117 close contacts; 45 unknown; and two of the active cases are currently hospitalized. There has been a total of 4,380 negative tests performed.

A case is classified as "probable" if it

• Meets clinical criterian 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.

A case is classifed as "confirmed" if it

• Meets confirmatory laboratory evidence.

If you feel like you may have been exposed, monitor for signs or symptoms for 14 days. If you develop any symptoms contact your primary care provider or urgent care for further evaluation and testing.

Symptoms include

• Cough

• Fever

• Shortness of breath

• Chills

• Muscle aches

• Sore throat

• New loss of taste or smell

Individuals should continue to practice social distancing, when social distancing cannot be maintained wear a mask or face covering to take additional precautions. Always remember to clean/disinfect any high touched surfaces, wash their hands with soap and water routinely, use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available and avoid touching your face.

Call before going to a clinic, urgent care, or ER if you feel you need to be evaluated.

Close contact means six feet or less for 15 minutes or more with a positive case.