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Rohlfing had isolated himself at home by Monday, July 13, after experiencing mild symptoms, according a written statement his office released Friday. On Wednesday, he received test results confirming his infection.

Rohlfing had “limited contact� with other employees, according to the statement.

“Sheriff Rohlfing has been quarantining since the weekend when he first had symptoms,� the statement said. “The Sheriff’s Department operations have not been affected due to limited contact with employees prior to any symptoms. The Sheriff has been lucky and has experienced very mild symptoms. Please keep Sheriff Rohlfing in your prayers for a speedy recovery.�

The department did not release more details.

As of Saturday, a total 188 people in Monroe County have tested positive for COVID-19, up from 155 cases at the start of the week, according to the Monroe County Health Department. That includes new COVID-19 cases reported Saturday.

Twelve people in Monroe County have died of the disease.

The 33 new COVID-19 cases recorded this week are part of a rise in the virus’ spread in the county, due in part to social gatherings around the July 4 holiday, Monroe County Health Department Administrator John Wagner said Friday in a written statement.

No one gathering has resulted in extensive COVID-19 spread, Wagner said, but health officials have traced new COVID-19 cases to a number of float trips, parties and other gatherings.

“From what I am seeing it appears that the days around the Fourth of July saw substantial people getting together,� Wagner said.

“I want to remind individuals that any time they are in groups and not social distancing or wearing mask (sic) that their chances of infection increase,� Wagner said. “Individuals just need to be aware that unmasked in groups will increase their risk and that everyone has the ability to determine the amount of risk they are comfortable with.�

More than half of the increase were infections in people ages 20 to 30 years old, Wagner said. In the beginning of the pandemic, the county recorded more COVID-19 among older populations, including significant outbreaks at nursing homes.

While COVID-19 cases continue to rise, deaths and hospitalizations connected to the disease have declined, Wagner said.

“This is a good sign that people with underlying health conditions or the elderly have remained cautious and needs to continue and that our long-term care facilities are doing everything they can to protect the residents.�