Just as COVID-19 cases in St. Joseph County continue to plateau, some health officials in Elkhart County say cases there, may be on the rise.

Dr. Dan Nafziger with Goshen Health Hospital says overall, the hospital is no longer seeing declines in the percentage of positive tests for COVID-19. He also says the number of people hospitalized appears to be increasing again.

Testing:
14,307 tests completed
1,736 positive test results (overall positivity rate of 12.3%)
12,359 negative test results
152 outstanding test results

Hospitalizations:
261 hospital admissions
252 hospital discharges
28 confirmed COVID-19 positive related mortalities

“Overall, we are no longer seeing declines in the percentage of positive tests for COVID-19 and the number of people hospitalized has appeared to be beginning to increase again,” said Dr. Dan Nafziger, Goshen Hospital Chief Medical Officer and Infectious Disease Specialist. “We want our children to be able to continue to attend school so as the weather gets colder and we spend more time indoors, it will continue to be important to avoid large gatherings and to wear masks when you are around other people.”

“I highly recommend getting a flu shot. For older people and people with health conditions, the flu is more serious than for a normally healthy person. This year getting flu symptoms may land you in isolation for 10 days which won’t be pleasant for anyone.”