7 new COVID-19 cases Tuesday

Marion County Health Department reported a record seven new COVID-19 cases Tuesday.

The report follows an upward spiral of new cases over the last week. There are now 82 cases since the pandemic began, 15 of them active.

Two cases were announced Monday, a male in his teens and a female in her 40s, continue the upward trend in new cases this past week.

Confirmed cases like the teen are diagnosed by a laboratory test. Probable cases like the woman are people who have developed symptoms after being exposed to someone sick with the virus.

The health department, consistent in its reporting of new cases, did not release further information.

The department is tracing close contacts who were within six feet of the victims for 10 or more minutes. They will be placed in quarantine.

The cases continue a week of spiraling diagnoses following a lull after the city of Marion imposed a mask ordinance.

Friday was the worst day ever with two men and two women, all in their 40s, and another man in his 20s diagnosed.

On Thursday, three Tabor athletes were placed in isolation with diagnoses of COVID-19, and five other Tabor students — presumably teammates — placed in quarantine.

On Wednesday, a man and a woman, both in their 40s, were reported.

Last Tuesday, a man in his 20s was reported.

Countywide, 1,549 tests for the virus have been administered and 1,467 tests were negative.