The COVID-19 pandemic rages on throughout the United States. The recent increase in numbers of people with the virus has spilled over from the cities into the rural areas as well. The most recent numbers (Nov. 11, 2020) for the local four-county area making up the South Heartland Health District are: Adams: 1,082; Clay: 233; Nuckolls: 140; Webster: 135.

A number of recent hospitalizations at the Mary Lanning hospital in Hastings have included Lawrence residents.

However, we do not know if any of the hospitalizations have been because of the coronavirus.

They include: Gene Himmelberg, Sherri Himmelberg (scheduled for surgery on Wednesday), Maureen Faimon and Marion Herbek. Gene Schendt was hospitalized for the COVID-19 virus but was able to return home and to work several weeks ago.

The number of people who have contacted the COVID virus are increasing, and being quarantined at home, but we are unable to obtain names and numbers.