The number of active Covid-19 coronavirus cases in Maries County more than doubled from the number reported last week. As of Sept. 28 at 4 p.m. a total of 18 active cases of the coronavirus were reported by the Phelps-Maries Health Department. Last week the number of active cases was 7.

The total number of cases reported thus far in the pandemic in Maries County reached 94 this week.

Of the reported cases of the virus, 33 were in Belle, which had six active cases. These included a 13-year-old female, an 18-year-old female, a 37-year-old female, a 47 year-old female, a 59-year-old female, and a 64 year-old female.

The Dixon area had a total of 13 cases reported thus far with only one active case, a 46-year-old male.

There were a total of 14 cases reported in the Vichy area with 6 active cases. These included a 17-year-old male, a 37-year-old female, a 38-year-old male, a 40-year-old female, a 50-year-old female, and a 64-year-old female.

In the Vienna area there have been 24 reported Covid-19 cases and currently four are active cases. They include a 37-year-old female, a 61-year-old male, a 65-year-old male, and an 86-year-old female.

Free COVID-19 testing Wednesday in Rolla

The Phelps-Maries County Health Department reports a COVID-19 community testing event is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 2 to 7 p.m. at Lions Club Den and Park in Rolla.

This PCR test will require the swab to only be placed about a half inch inside the nose (anterior nare) to determine if there is an active infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This is not an antigen or antibody test.

These are free COVID-19 tests. You do not have to show symptoms, and you do not have to reside in the county where the event is being held.

Pre-register at health.mo.gov/communitytest.