City Officials Weigh In On Recent COVID-19 Case Spike

County.

New tonight at 5 --- it's an alarming spike in vanderburgh county.

Covid-19 cases are on a steep increase -- that has city officials--- pleading with the tri-state--- to stay vigilant in the fight--- and do their part.

44news reporter megan diventi -- joins us from downtown evansville -- with a break down of the concerning numbers.

Jessica-- we are just days into the new month---and we are already shattering records here in the county-- those i spoke to earlier today--- say this should be a wake up call---and something needs to change.

"now is the time to take a second look at whether you go to that reception, or that visitation, or that reuninon."

As the country continues to battle the invisible enemy--- the effects being felt closer to home... on friday---both vanderburgh county-- and the state of indiana--- seeing record- high numbers of new positive covid-19 cases..... "the numbers from the last few days are certainly sobering."

85 new cases that day---but saturday setting a new record in the county---with 101 new cases... "it tells us a couple different things.

There is possibility that there are a lot of asymptomatic individuals who are out and about and not practicing social distancing, not wearing masks, but then there's also the larger groups that are getting together, people i think are getting a little lax, on not social distancing, letting their guard down, not wearing their masks."

Health officials say the recent surge can be attributed to two main areas----- employees of long-term care facilities--and large gatherings at which people are not social distancing or wearing masks.... "it's greatly disappointing, but to any doubters it should say this virus is very much alive and active in our community."

Mayor winnecke says it's not their intent to shut down the community --- close down businesses---or restrict commerce --- however for the foreseeable future----the community is asked to contribute and do their part in keeping each other safe.

"we want people to make adjustments before we come in and say these are requirements that we're going to have to take.

No one wants that to be done and we continue to look at that data and see where we can make adjustments and if it comes to that we'll certainly consider it."

Mayor winnecke also tells me the city of evansville continues to have several discussions with local hospitals about their current capacity.... today--- vanderburgh county reported 78 new cases---and one new death.

Reporting live in downtown evansville, md, 44news.