Virus activity continues to drop off locally

COVID-19 activity is dropping to a level not seen in months, as the number of new cases continued to decline over the past week. Winnebago County saw just 12 new cases between February 2-8, for a total of 1,260. Of those cases, 1,131 are considered recovered, which leaves 129 active cases. Only five percent of tests came back positive during the past week, and the number of deaths in the county remains stable at 30.

New cases were also down last week in Kossuth County, with 41 reported between February 2-8. That brings the county total to 1,898, with 1,629 patients recovered and 269 active cases. Six percent of tests came back positive over the past week. Three more deaths linked to COVID-19 were reported in Kossuth County, however, for a total of 52.

Vaccination efforts against the illness continue, and Iowans age 65 and older are eligible to receive the vaccine, as supplies allow. So far, 984 people in Winnebago County have received the first of their two doses for the vaccine, and 171 people have received both doses. In Kossuth County, 1,605 people have received their first dose, and 326 have also received their second dose.

To schedule an appointment for a vaccine, people 65 and up can contact MercyOne Forest City Family Medicine, Miller Pharmacy in Forest City, or HyVee Forest City Pharmacy.