Five new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Lafayette County on Friday.

To date, there have been 229 cases of the virus reported in the county. With 43 of those cases still active, there are 183 persons who have been released from observation.

According to Lafayette County Health Department Director, Tom Emmerson, it is up to us all to take personal responsibility and protect each other. Residents reminded that the the Mask Order is still in effect and reminded to use masks as indicated.

It is recommended that you do not invite gatherings of other people into your home, and to avoid gatherings in places where social distancing and mask use are not practiced. If you have attended such gatherings either public or private please monitor yourself for symptoms and if sick do not go out in public, and call your health care provider for instructions.

To date, approximately 17-percent of the county population has been tested for the virus.