As COVID-19 is a new strand of respiratory virus, Guthrie County Public Health is working with the expectation that it won’t be going away any time soon.

Public Health Director Jotham Arber says it’s too soon to try linking the rate of the virus’ infection to climate as is typically done with influenza. Arber says community spread is expected to continue for the next few months, so keeping six feet of distance from those you don’t live with is highly recommended, as well as face masks, “Face coverings can go a long way to help reduce the transmission of disease. They don’t do a great job of keeping things out but if both of us that are together are wearing them, we’re both keeping what we have in, and that helps us to stop the spread. If you’re unable to socially distance regardless of your age or vulnerability level, a face mask is still a good thing to use.”

Residents who don’t have a face mask can contact the Guthrie County Health Services building at 641-747-3972 to receive one.