Six more people test positive for COVID-19 in Clark CountyFree

Six more people in Clark County tested positive for COVID-19, Clark County Public Health reported on Saturday morning.

The county now reports a total of 82 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, with six fatalities, since the first local case was confirmed on March 7.

No new deaths were reported on Saturday.

The bump follows huge spikes on Thursday and Friday, when 28 people in the county tested positive for the novel coronavirus on both days. Dr. Alan Melnik, Clark County health officer, said Thursday that the rising number of cases likely had two causes — more disease transmission, as well as more tests available for people who show symptoms.

A total of 653 people in Clark County have tested negative for COVID-19.

The novel coronavirus is a contagious respiratory illness, with symptoms that are similar to the flu but can vary widely in severity.

Due to a shortage of tests and other resources, not everyone who shows symptoms is being tested for the virus. Clark County Public Health is instead recommending that those with mild symptoms self-quarantine in their homes until 72 hours after all of their symptoms improve.

Symptoms of the coronavirus include fever, dry cough, chest tightness and difficulty breathing.

Most local cases have affected people in their 40s, 50s and 60s, though all six fatal cases occurred in patients 70 or older.