Marshall County sees spike in COVID-19 case counts

MARSHALL COUNTY, Ind. - "Dire." That's what community leaders in Marshall County are calling the community's pandemic situation. Wednesday, the county added 83 more cases to its overall total of 2,161. Elected and health officials are calling on the community to continue wearing masks and follow social distancing guidelines.

"That whole positive (State of the City) address that I gave sort of went away," said Plymouth Mayor Mark Senter. "It's been a crazy year, and a lot of people want 2020 over with."

Mayor Senter said he plans to ramp up promotion of mask wearing. He said doing so is what will save lives and get Marshall County through this COVID-19 spike. While officials called the numbers "dire," they're not what has everyone in Plymouth concerned.

"My biggest concern is that my children are growing up," said Plymouth Resident Emily Hemker. "Especially my youngest who is seven now, and I'm concerned for her that this idea of mask wearing and fearing our neighbors and fearing people we see in the stores because we might get sick, the way that that impacts our mindsets and the way that we look at people."

St. Joseph Health Services released a statement on the growing county case count as well.

The statement reads “Locally and statewide, recent COVID positive case counts have set records. In addition to the challenges posed by more cases, health systems are facing staffing challenges. As the cases continue to increase and staffing shortages grow, we are trending towards a day when properly staffed hospital beds will not be available. We need everyone to step up and do their part if we want to preserve life and protect all of our residents. It is essential all community members wear a mask, especially when you can't maintain a COVID safe distance, wash your hands more often, and avoid large crowds, especially when others disregard your safety.”

One Marshall County business owner said he decided to take his restaurant on the road with the Bob’s Cafeteria Food Truck. He said it originally was a hobby he took up in May, but it proved to be more.

"What we're doing with this food truck is a safe alternative we practice social distancing," said Bob's Cafeteria owner Robert Listenberger. "Our customers have been really good with it. I would say 99% wear masks, and they stay apart."

The Marshall County Health Department was not available for an interview Wednesday, but said on social media "Marshall County’s COVID 19 numbers are sky rocketing. We need the help of all residents, businesses and schools to help slow the spread. Be the change! Wear your mask, wash your hands and watch your distance. No one organization can do this alone. Do this for those you love."

County health officials said they do plan to hold a press conference this week addressing the county's spike in COVID-19 cases and provide more information about what the community can do to stay safe.