Although the active case count dropped, the number of COVID-19-related deaths increased in Lafayette County on Wednesday, August 18.

According to the Lafayette County Health Department, two new deaths were recorded, raising the county’s total to 63 since the beginning of the pandemic.

Health officials also say the total case count increased by 13 to 3,164. However, the active case count decreased by 16 to 132. Also, the number of persons hospitalized dropped by four to 11.

The county’s positivity rate as of August 14 is 22.5 percent, according to the CDC COVID Data Tracker.

Health officials say, “It is urgent that everyone use several layers of protection: Social distancing, mask wearing in public, avoiding unnecessary gatherings and exposures, proper hand hygiene and sneeze and cough etiquette.”

For more information, visit the agency’s website at lafayettecountyhealth.org.