[email protected] The number of new cases of COVID-19 in Franklin County rose sharply over the weekend, with about 2.1% of the county’s population now either in quarantine or isolation. Essex County also saw an increase in cases, with about 1.1% of its population now in quarantine. The Essex County Health Department on Monday reported 43 new cases of COVID-19 since its last update on Dec. 23, bringing the total number of active cases countywide to 76. As of Monday, 434 residents were under public health orders to quarantine. Franklin County Public Health announced a combined 31 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday and Sunday, plus another 14 new cases on Monday. At least 1,091 residents were either in isolation or quarantine as of Monday.