An area health department administrator urges residents to follow CDC guidelines in an effort to quell the spread of COVID-19.

Saline County Health Department Administrator Tara Brewer encourages residents to continue to wash their hands and follow other directives.

Brewer says the number of positive cases in the county has jumped in the last several days.

The health department will be closed through Friday, November 6, due to a staff member being exposed to and subsequently testing positive for the virus.

Some staff members will be working from home whenever possible, according to Brewer.

Brewer says those needing assistance with COVID-19 this week may call (660) 631-1379.

Brewer says the plan is for the office to reopen on Monday, November 9, for limited services.