The Jefferson County Health Department reported 146 new COVID-19 cases today (Jan. 5), bringing the total number of cases in the county to 17,506 since the first ones were reported in March.
The county has an estimated 1,516 active cases, the Health Department reported.
Brianne Zwiener, communications specialist with the Health Department, said the reason the number of active cases looks much smaller than it did on Monday’s report is because the agency purged a large number of cases today, closing out all cases that had been reported more than 10 days ago.
She said the Health Department doesn’t follow up with all cases anymore, and the number of active cases is meant to give the public a “general estimate.”
Of the county’s total coronavirus cases, 1,152 have been at long-term care facilities, which includes residents and staff members who live in Jefferson County.
Of the 133 COVID-19-related deaths in the county, 61 have been from long-term care facilities, the Health Department reported.
The county remains at the red level on the Health Department’s COVID-19 warning system.
Red is the highest level on the Health Department’s four-color system and indicates widespread and uncontrolled transmission of the virus.
To control the spread of the virus, health officials urge residents to follow the county’s face mask order, which requires residents to wear face masks while in public spaces when social distancing cannot be maintained.
The Health Department also stresses the importance of limiting nonessential travel, avoiding crowds, social distancing, good hand-washing and staying home if you are sick.
