The latest report from the DeWitt/Piatt Bi-County Health Department shows a spike in COVID cases in DeWitt County.

Executive Director Dave Remmert indicates part of the increase in cases in DeWitt County is the rollout of the Clinton School District's 'test to stay' program that gives students the chance to test to stay in the classroom if they are a close contact. Remmert indicates Piatt County is remaining steady.

Clinton Schools Superintendent Curt Nettles says the cases within the student body are mostly limited to the high school kids. He points out not every student is doing the 'test to stay' protocols are coming up positive because that is not the case.

Nettles reminds high school kids are very social people and are back to their normal routines of extracurricular activities and hanging out away from school. He notes things are stabilizing at the high school.

Remmert reminds school-age kids continue to be at low risk of adverse outcomes of COVID and indicates when they do get COVID and show symptoms, their symptoms are very mild and short-lived. 

In the latest update from the Health Department, DeWitt County is totaling 47 active cases to Piatt County's 14. A case out of Heyworth from last Monday, October 25 is being considered a DeWitt County case. 

There has been growing concern regarding the Delta strain of the COVID-19 virus. The Health Department does not have adequate data at this time to determine if any of the active cases are from this strain. Delta has been detected in its jurisdiction.  

Both DeWitt or Piatt counties are no longer on the state warning for COVID-19. However, incidence rates are still considered “substantial”.