The number of active cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus in Maries County were just seven cases away from doubling in number last week.

The Phelps-Maries County Health Department reported 23 active cases of the virus in Maries County on Sept. 7, which was a decrease from the previous week. However, on Sept. 13, the health department reported 39 active cases of the virus, just seven away from doubling the number from the previous week.

The vaccination rate increased slightly to 31.4 percent of the county’s population being fully vaccinated. 

There have been 18 virus-related deaths reported in Maries County.

The statistics for the Sept. 13 active case numbers by age show 41 percent are persons in the 20-39 years age group. Some 26 percent are in the 40-59 years age group, followed by 10 percent in the 12 to 19 years age group, and 80 years plus age group. The department reported five percent of the county’s active virus cases are in the 0 to 5 years ago group. No active cases were reported in children ages 6 to 11 years.

Healthcare providers encourage vaccination as a tool to keep individuals and their communities safe. Wearing masks indoors when around others is recommended. Also social distancing and frequent hand washing.