Marshall County officials warn that COVID-19 has reached a critical state. County Health Officer Dr. Byron Holm told the county commissioners in an emergency meeting Friday that there were 612 active cases in the county as of Thursday, compared to just 40 four weeks ago.
“Numbers are doubling every week,” he said. “Hospitals are being overrun with COVID admissions. Our patients that need surgeries and many other emergent care are being placed on waiting lists because we have no room in the inn.”
Holm said that at this point, the front line of the battle against COVID-19 isn’t medicine and hospitals, but every resident working together to slow the spread. “Prevention is what we need to do and is the only viable option at this time,” Holm said. “It is the most effective treatment plan. The solution is truly everybody taking their part. Everybody needs to be a servant to each other. This is truly a team approach.”
He called on residents to lead by example and not to wait until they lose loved ones to take precautions. “I am not commanding them to mask up, social distance, or sanitize regularly, but I am asking them to take a personal responsibility to be a servant to each other by protecting each other.”
Starting Monday, the Marshall County Building and the Clerk’s Office will be open by appointment only for essential services. The County Museum and the County Jail will be closed to the public entirely. The county’s court system will continue to operate under its own policies. Commissioner Kevin Overmyer said public meetings will continue for now, but those attending will have to have their temperature taken and follow social distancing protocols. County officials hope to switch to virtual meetings in mid-December.
In a separate resolution, the commissioners ordered that all county officials and employees wear a mask whenever they’re in a county facility, unless they provide medical documentation. Those who refuse could be sent home without pay.
