By Herald Staff

JASPER — The Dubois County Health Department reported today the county's 18th death related to COVID-19.

"We mourn the death and extend our prayers and sympathies to the family and friends of this individual," said Dubois County Health Officer Dr. Ted Waflart. "This serves as an unfortunate reminder to the entire Dubois County community of the importance of following recommended guidelines to stop the spread of this virus and help protect our most vulnerable neighbors. We cannot emphasize enough for all of you to use a mask when they are around others, practicing social distancing and washing their hands frequently. "

The county health department also reported today 16 new positive cases from the weekend. The case breakdown is as follows: 13 new cases and 1 death on Saturday, one case on Sunday and two cases today.

Of the county’s 911 cases, 783 have recovered. A total of 7,823 Dubois County residents have been tested.

According to Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center’s COVID-19 Dashboard, the Jasper hospital has submitted 5,590 tests. Of those, 4,983 were negative. The hospital notes that a patient’s address will determine what county reports the positive case.

The Indiana State Department of Health reported Sunday 1,249 new cases, bringing the statewide total to 105,805 cases. A total of 3,214 Hoosiers have died from the virus. Another 224 probable deaths have been reported.