Kossuth County Officials Say Vigilance Needed Regarding Covid-19

With the July 4th holiday approaching, retail stores and restaurants are reopening, and people
are mingling but Kossuth County officials say we need to stay vigilant in battling COVID-19 by
using safe health practices. More than 25 states are reporting an increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases following the reopening of businesses and public facilities. The number of positive cases of the novel
coronavirus in Kossuth County has risen to 27. Over one-thousand individuals have been tested
with most of those tests showing negative results. Kossuth County has reported no deaths due
to COVID-19. With ABATE announcing its Iowa Freedom Rally in Algona, July 2nd through July 4th, and the Kossuth County Fair Board announcing it will move forward with the Kossuth County Fair on a
limited basis, County Emergency Management Coordinator, David Penton, reminds everyone
that the COVID-19 virus is still considered a pandemic. “While there is a desire for normalcy, we need to stay vigilant against the virus. We need to
continue to practice good hygiene, including covering our mouth and nose when we sneeze or
cough. And we need to continue to practice social distancing by staying six feet or more away
from another, when appropriate.”

Penton said washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds several times a day
also helps mitigate the virus. If soap and water are not available, then use hand sanitizer.
Penton encourages residents to shop before next week’s Freedom Rally to limit exposure to
people that come from out of the area or state. He said continue to wear masks to cover the
mouth and nose to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Penton Said “Remember, by wearing a mask,
you’re not only protecting yourself but your protecting those around you from spreading the
disease,” Kossuth County Officials  encourage everyone to enjoy Independence Day holiday weekend by staying safe.