Active cases in county at 14

Lincoln County Health Department officials announced a new confirmed novel coronavirus case on Aug. 5.

The woman, a resident in her 70s, was exposed to the virus outside the county, officials said in a release. She has begun presenting symptoms associated with COVID-19.

The day prior, officials identified two other individuals with the virus: a woman in her 20s and a woman under the age of 19. Both were in contact with an individual infected with the coronavirus.

Overall, there are 14 active cases in Lincoln County, officials said. In total, the virus has infected 74 residents since the pandemic begin in earnest in March. Since then, the county has seen two deaths and six hospitalizations.

Out of the total cases, 56 people have recovered. While COVID-19 poses a danger to at risk people, like those over 60 years of age or with a pre-existing condition, most recover from the illness.

Officials also announced that they are seeing a quicker turnaround in test results. Officials are seeing results in between two to five days.

Jennifer McCully, public health manager for the county, said state labs also were working through the backlog in tests. There are 20 outstanding tests submitted by the county health department and Center for Asbestos Related Disease left from July, she said.