New COVID-19 cases confirmed

Two more cases of the novel coronavirus were announced by the Lincoln County Health Department on Aug. 26.

A man and woman, both in their 60s, tested positive for the virus after coming in contact with a known carrier of the virus, according to health officials. Both the man and woman developed symptoms of COVID-19.

The new cases bring the active case number in Lincoln County up to seven. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the health department has identified a total of 86 cases and attributed two deaths to the virus. Seven people have been hospitalized since the start of the outbreak.

Since Aug. 20, the number of active cases in the county has crept up from a recent low of three. This put the county below the threshold set by Gov. Steve Bullock in his July 15 face covering directive. The mandate, which applies to counties with four or more active cases of the virus, requires face coverings in indoor public spaces and at large outdoor events where social distancing is unfeasible or ignored.

However, Lincoln County residents were and are still required to wear masks due to a public health order issued by Dr. Brad Black, public health officer. Black’s order does not have a case threshold and will remain in place until he lifts it.

“This is in place to ensure our case count remains low and we do not yo-yo (possibly daily) between mandatory masks or not,” Jennifer McCully, public health manager, wrote in an Aug. 17 reminder. “Please continue to be diligent in face covering wearing, social distancing and practicing good hygiene.”