With no new coronavirus cases in DeWitt County for well over a month, the Fourth of July weekend brought a small surge in cases locally.

Cases in DeWitt County increased from 4 to 12 during the days leading up to and through the Fourth of July weekend. DeWitt/Piatt Bi-County Health Department Director Dave Remmert indicates most cases are young and relatively healthy individuals with either no symptoms or mild symptoms. The average age of the cases is younger than the state average.

An outbreak at the Syngenta factory in Wapella was a suspected hot spot of some of these cases but Remmert indicates only one case has come from Syngenta. He notes the importance of contact tracing has helped them keep an outbreak from happening at the plant.

Pinpointing an exact cause of the recent spike is difficult, however, Remmert says the increase in testing across the country is going to show more cases. He adds mask-wearing is important to minimize the spike in cases and continues to caution against exposing older populations and people with pre-existing health conditions. 

Remmert believes the warm summer is going to have an impact on the spread of the virus. Studies are showing UV rays, heat, humidity, and the breeze can keep the virus from spreading. Additionally, data is suggesting the virus is not spread on surfaces. He says the understanding of this virus is growing and maintains his belief young, healthy people getting the virus and recovering quickly is a good thing and is working towards establishing herd immunity.