Jackson County Health Department has released a public health alert calling on young adults to take action to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the county.

This comes as new daily case numbers reached a new high of 38 cases on Sunday, according to a press release. 

The alert said almost 70% of the Jackson County case reported in July have  been individuals in their teens and 20s. 

“Currently, transmission in the community is being driven by young adults,” the alert said While many young adults do not suffer significant symptoms from COVID-19, some do.”

The alert said as the spread continues, the disease will eventually reach those who are more susceptible (elderly, those with chronic health conditions) and they tend to fare far worse from the disease.

The county has averaged 16 new cases per day over the past nine days. 

The alert said young adults in Jackson County should immediately take the following actions: 1) avoid parties and large gatherings, 2) do not share drinks or vaping devices and do not smoke/vape in groups, 3) practice social distancing, 4) wear a face mask/face covering around others, 5) stay home if you are sick, even with mild symptoms, 6) model behaviors for peers to follow and 7) return calls to public health officials and follow their instructions. 

View the complete public health alert here.

Of Sunday’s cases, 27 were individuals in their 20s and three were teens. 

“Those in the community that have influence over the behaviors of individuals in their late teens and twenties (parents, employers, peers, clergy, medical professionals) are asked to help communicate to them the dire need to follow practices which limit the spread of COVID-19,” the press release said. 

As of Sunday, there have been 529 confirmed cases in Jackson County and 19 deaths, according to the release, and 367 individuals have been released from isolation in accordance with CDC guidelines. 

The Jackson County Health Department asks all residents to follow public health guidelines by wearing a mask in public, maintaining social distance, avoiding social gatherings, washing hands frequently and working with health department officials as they conduct contact tracing. 

If you are experiencing fever, cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle aches, loss of taste or smell, nausea or diarrhea, you should contact your healthcare provider for further guidance.

The Daily Egyptian’s News Desk can be reached at 1-618-536-3329, by email at [email protected] or on Twitter at @dailyegyptian.

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