MCPHERSON -- The McPherson County Health Department today reported 98 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 1,248. Additionally, another death due to COVID-19 also was reported.Of the total, 638 cases have either met Kansas Department of Health and Environment recovery guidelines or have died, and seven active cases are hospitalized."Our communities are going to be making difficult decisions surrounding how to proceed as cases climb and the healthcare system is strained. Please note these decisions are not made lightly but are vital to the future of our communities. We want to keep “business as usual,” our children in schools, our workplaces functioning in person, and our healthcare system well-equipped. Each individual McPherson County resident plays an important role in our communities, part of which includes keeping our society healthy. If you fell lax or less cautious during Phase 3, now is the time to be more cautious and diligent in the choices we make. Stay home, stay safe, and wear a mask," Shalei Shea, McPherson County Health Officer noted in a news release.Following is the updated case data, as provided by the health department.• New cases since last public release: 98• Asymptomatic: 36• Cases with unknown exposure: 582• Cases 60 years old and above: 372• Cases 50-59 years old: 176• Cases 40-49 years old: 164• Cases 30-39 years old: 149• Cases 18-29 years old: 263• Cases under 18 years old: 124• Female cases: 667• Male cases: 581• Hospitalized cases (may not represent current hospitalizations): 43• Ventilated cases (may not represent current ventilated cases): 5• Deaths: 9

McPherson County reports 98 new COVID-19 cases, 1 new death