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Morgan County officials plead with public to help reduce the spread of COVID-19

After a dramatic rise in cases, official renew their call for people to take precautions like masking and avoiding large groups.
Credit: City of Madison
2,000 masks were donated to the City of Madison and Madison City Schools.

DECATUR, Ala. — Morgan County has become a hotspot for COVID-19 in north Alabama, and officials are reminding the public that they need to help stop the spread.

The Morgan County Infectious Disease Task Force says that in the last two weeks, there has been a 125% increase in positive COVID-19 tests, with cases jumping from 298 to 676.

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They are calling for people to exercise personal responsibility by taking the following steps during their day-to-day activities: 

• Continue wear facial coverings in public settings and especially at public gatherings

• Maintain a distance of six feet in all social gatherings 

• Sanitize your hands often 

• Cover your coughs and sneezes 

• Avoid congregating for extended periods in large crowds that aren’t socially distanced – exercise extreme caution in groups larger than 10  

• Disinfect frequently used surfaces and items 

According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, it is estimated that one in four infected people do not actively show signs of illness. In other words, you don't have to have symptoms to spread COVID-19.

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If cases continue to grow, officials say there could be negative effects on the community from increased strain on the health care system to economic consequences.

Wondering about COVID-19 symptoms? Learn more and track symptoms here.

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