County officials update COVID-19 cases

Jack County officials gave an update on its COVID-19 activity during Monday morning’s Commissioner Court activity.

Emergency Management Coordinator Frank Hefner said there have been no new cases in the last two weeks. Three of the prior four cases have recovered with only one still being an active case being monitored by health care professionals, Hefner said.

Hefner warned there could still be some more cases, but right now the county is in a holding pattern. County Judge Keith Umphress said law enforcement has gotten its personal protective equipment.

Umphress said he and Hefner speak with County Health Authority Robert Cooper multiple times a day to stay updated. The hospital has requested a mask drive for which the county is working to get that done. With the Center for Disease Control requiring it, upon entering Faith Community Hospital now, a mask must be worn and the hospital is running low.

Because of that, Umphress has contacted Extension Agent Alinda Cox to bring in her 4-H students along with some others to make masks to help out with the need. Umphress said he has also been contacted by county employees out in the field on the need for masks and gloves out where they work which he has distributed to commissioners