Barton County reported its 25th and 26th positive cases of COVID-19 Thursday afternoon. These included one man and one woman, both from the city of Great Bend, County Public Information Officer Donna Zimmerman said. These follow the 24th case that was reported in a Great Bend woman Wednesday.

Of the 26 cases, the number of active cases stands at 12.

There have also been 267 quarantine/isolation orders issued. Of those, 54 are still active. 

The breakdown of gender is as follows:

• Male - 8 

• Female - 18 

The breakdown of residence is as follows:

• Claflin - 3

• Ellinwood - 4

• Great Bend - 17

• Rural Great Bend - 1

• Rural northeast corner of county - 1

The Barton County Health Department continues to identify close contacts of the individuals of each positive case, Zimmerman said. Close contact is defined as being within 6 feet for a prolonged period (10 minutes or longer) or having direct contact with infectious secretions. 

The BCHD will actively monitor the close contacts for 14 days for symptoms.  

“The public can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by practicing social distancing and infection control,” she said.