While the numbers of positive COVID-19 cases continue to increase in bunches in the region, state and country, they also are spiking in Saline County.

Saline County Health Department Administrator Tara Brewer gives details of percentages relating to each of the county’s five regions from November 1-22, with Region 5 having the highest percentage of overall positive cases.

Region 1 is the northwestern part of the county, including Malta Bend and Miami; Region 2 is the northeastern portion of the county, including Slater and Gilliam; Region 3 is the southeastern part of the county, including Napton and Arrow Rock; Region 4 is the southwestern portion of the county, including Sweet Springs, Marshall Junction and Mt. Leonard; and Region 5 is Marshall and the immediate area surrounding the city.

Brewer says there are a number of things individuals can do to help quell the spread of the virus in the county.

Brewer says communities can help, as well.

As of Monday, November 23, Saline County has had 1,643 total positive cases of COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic. With 1,449 of those cases released from public health isolation as recovered and 17 deaths, there were 177 active cases, including 13 positive patients hospitalized.