County COVID-19 cases increase to nine

By Carol McIntire
Editor
Carroll County officials are urging residents to “stay home” as they prepare for an increase in the number of cases of COVID-19 in the near future.

“This is the calm before the storm,” Health Department Director of Nursing Kelly Engelhart told county commissioners April 2 via a phone call. “I encourage people to stay home. Don’t go to essential businesses just because they are open to walk around. There is going to be a surge in cases.”

As of 10:30 a.m. April 6, the county had nine confirmed cases: three in Harrison Twp., three in Rose and one each in Augusta, Brown and Center. Of those nine, three people are recuperating at home, two have recovered and the others remain hospitalized. There are no cases involving children reported. Ages range from 27 to 89. Englehart noted only those who are ill are being tested.

The department has been monitoring the people who were in contact with the cases to monitor them. She noted most have been released without showing any symptoms.
“Now is the crucial time to remain home,” she said. “Only go out if it’s essential and wear a fabric mask.

If you need to go out, only one family member go inside a store. If two (people) are together in a car, one person should remain in the car.”

Emergency Management Agency Director Tom Cottis reiterated Engelhart’s words, adding, “I can’t stress social distancing enough. Harrison County is the only county that borders us without a case. It’s coming.”