The Egyptian Health Department is issuing a plea to communities in its coverage area of Saline, Gallatin and White counties to slow the spread of COVID-19.
CEO Angie Hampton says the CDC considers the three counties to be at moderate transmission of the virus. She says the positivity rate of more than seven percent must come down.
Hampton announced a mask challenge on Wednesday. She says part of it will focus on restaurants.
"We've already notified all food service establishments in Saline, Gallatin and White counties that the agency will be increasing inspections to increase compliance with masking and social distancing."
Hampton says the health department is adopting the slogan "Community Unity" to encourage residents to follow the three W's when they leave their home...wear a mask, watch their distance and wash their hands.
She says two more people in the three-county area died from COVID-19 in Wednesday's report.
