The Franklin County Health Department report on Feb. 25 listed seven deaths, although the deaths are believed to have occurred weeks, or even months, prior. 

Six of the deaths are positively confirmed as the result of COVID-19. That number includes a 79-year-old woman from Gerald. One of the deaths is listed with COVID-19 as the probable cause. There were 45 deaths reported in the month of February bringing the death toll to 176. 

In the past week, there were 50 positive cases and 43 probable cases reported in the county. They included three new positive cases in the Gerald area. These include a man of unkown age, a 55-year-old man and a 67-year-old woman. No new cases were reported in either Beaufort or Leslie. 

There are four positive cases in long-term care facilities in the county. Two people are currently being treated for COVID-19 in county hospitals. 

Around 1,000 people received their second and final dose of the Pfizer vaccine Saturday at a clinic in Union. People are also being vaccinated at pharmacies and other locations around the county as vaccines become available.