Dr. Byron Holm, Marshall County Health Officer is urging schools in the county to Mask Up.  A news release Wednesday afternoon states: Marshall County has seen a substantial increase in positive COVID 19 cases in our county over the past few weeks.  The Marshall County Health Department LifePlex COVID 19 testing site has also seen increasing numbers of ill individuals seeking testing.   Area hospitals are starting to see the strain of ill individuals presenting for needed treatment.  Some nearby counties are currently on diversion, sending ill patients elsewhere for care.  Marshall County is trending in the wrong direction. 

According to the CDC Covid Data Tracker, Indiana and Marshall County are in the RED zone.  This indicates that the transmissibility is HIGH.  Keeping Marshall County Students in school with in-person learning has been a high priority for the Health Department.  Because of the current surge, and what the health department is seeing at their test site, and the increase in positive cases in the county they highly recommend all schools in the county require universal indoor masking by all students (age 2 and older), staff, teachers, and visitors to K-12 schools regardless of vaccination status.  Other layers of prevention include testing, ventilation, handwashing, respiratory etiquette and staying home when sick.  

The Health Department believes the recommendations should remain in effect until Marshall County returns to the BLUE ZONE per the CDC Covid Data Tracker.

The Marshall County Health Department does not want to close schools.  Dr. Holm said, “Education of our children is of upmost importance.  However, if absenteeism rates surge, action will have to ensue.”  The Marshall County Health Department is asking the community to come together and help decrease the spread of COVID 19.  These same principals could also be beneficial and used throughout the community, not just in schools.

The county health department will continue to monitor the present situation and make recommendations for a safe and healthier Marshall County.