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After many weeks of slowly declining numbers of positive COVID-19 cases in the county, test results are now showing an uptick in the number of new cases.

According to data released Tuesday by the Escambia County Healthcare Authority, the percentage of positive test results has reason from 4.7 percent to just under 8 percent since July 3.

As of Tuesday’s report, nine new cases were reported after testing at D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital in Brewton, At Atmore Community Hospital, 10 new cases were confirmed since July 20.

The total number of COVID cases positively identified in the county has reach 4,119, up from 4050 just a week ago.

According to information on the Alabama Department of Public Health’s dashboard on COVID cases in the state, Escambia County remains in the low risk category while surrounding counties of Baldwin, Covington and Conecuh are in the very high risk category with Monroe County in the high risk category for contracting the virus.

Data indicates that the vaccine is the best defense at contracting the COVID viruses. In Escambia County 7,504 individuals have been fully vaccinated while 9,736 people have had at least one dose of the vaccine.

For vaccine information, contact your personal physician or your pharmacy to see if they offer the vaccine.