It was one year ago this past Friday that the first positive COVID-19 case was reported in Carroll County. As of this (Monday) morning, there have been 2,901 positive cases, 49 of our residents have died from coronavirus complications and we are sitting at a seven percent seven-day positivity rate. As our rates continue to decline, Carroll County Public Health (CCPH) asks residents to maintain mask wearing, social distancing, hand washing and continuing to avoid large gatherings as they work to get as many residents vaccinated as possible. For this week, they will receive another 300 doses of the Moderna vaccine. These will be distributed to the St. Anthony Clinic, McFarland Clinic and Manning Regional Healthcare Center. Each clinic will continue to contact patients who are eligible for vaccinations. Those Carroll County residents over 75 who are not a patient at any of these clinics can call 712-794-5835 to schedule an appointment. The Iowa Department of Public Health has announced some counties will be moving into phase 1C for those with specific medical conditions. This includes cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD, down syndrome, coronary artery disease, diabetes, mellitus, heart failure, immunocompromise and immunosuppression, obesity, pregnancy, sickle cell disease and current smokers. CCPH says the allotment to our county has not increased, however, the State of Iowa will be sending 500 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to the Pella Corporation and Farner-Bocken Company. Hy-Vee in Carroll is continuing to receive intermittent doses and these will be allocated to residents up to phase 1B. Hy-Vee will update their website as to availability at www.hyvee.com. Appointments can be scheduled there.