An area county has reported three additional COVID-19 related deaths.

According to Lafayette County Health Center, the death count has increased to 85 since the beginning of the pandemic. 

As of Monday, January 10, there were 66 active cases – as compared to 29 the week prior. There are 26 individuals hospitalized due to the virus in the county.

Per the CDC COVID Data Tracker, the positivity rate is 27.11 percent, with 108 new PCR cases and 60 positive rapid antigen results. 

Health officials say since January 3, Lexington has had the most cases in the county with 28 individuals testing positive, followed by Odessa by 26. Higginsville reported 17 positive cases. Wellington had 10 cases and Bates City had 8 cases. The cities of Alma and Concordia each had 5 COVID-19 cases. Blackburn, Corder, Dover, Emma, Mayview, Napoleon, rural Oak Grove and Waverly reported four to none cases. 

These numbers do not include positive rapid antigen results and/or positive at-home test results, as they are not considered diagnostic by the CDC.

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

For more information on COVID-19 testing and/or vaccinations, contact the Lafayette County Health Department at  lafayettecountyhealth.org.