By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

As of Tuesday evening, the county health department reports 12 new cases of COVID-19 in the past week.

Although none are hospitalized, all 12 are in isolation as of Tuesday.

The new cases bring the county’s total to 1,040 by the county’s records and 1,053 by Kansas Department of Health and Environment records.

The previous week, the county reported only one new case.

The last time the county had more than one new case in a single day was March 10, but seven of the 12 cases for the last week were reported Thursday and Friday.

County health nurse Diedre Serene said the uptick in cases came as no surprise.

“I kind of predicted that,” Serene said. “I just don’t feel like there are enough people vaccinated.”

So far, the county has given 2,399 first-dose vaccinations.

Vaccinations given by area pharmacies are not included in that count. Pharmacies typically obtain vaccines through a national program and don’t report to the health department, Serene said.

The next vaccination clinic will be Tuesday and is by appointment only.

Anyone 18 or over can make an appointment, whether they are county residents or not.

To make an appointment online, go to the county’s website. To make an appointment by phone, call the health department or your health care provider, Serene said.