Online Update: LawCo Reports Additional Case of COVID-19

by James McNary, Articles Editor

Just days after Barton and then Dade County reported their first confirmed cases of COVID-19, Lawrence County is reporting a new confirmed case as of this morning, June 16.

The affected individual lives in Lawrence County but commutes to work in Jasper County, which has seen a spike in the number COVID-19 cases over the past week. The individual has had limited travel the last few months, though, so exposure risk to others is considered to be low.

"The case has not traveled any place besides home and work during the infectious period so the public is not considered to be at risk," said Janella Spencer, Lawrence County Health Department administrator.

Lawrence County previous had a number of confirmed positives for Coronavirus from a residential care facility in Marionville, however those cases were confirmed to have been successfully cleared a number of weeks ago.

"We want the public to remember that COVID is still actively circulating and our county is not immune," said Spencer. "Most people who get COVID-19 will only have mild symptoms; however, there are some members of our community who are at a higher risk of getting very sick."

Spencer said that the health department is encouraging everyone to do their part in protecting themselves, loved ones, and their communities by:

• Cleaning hands often, either with soap and water for 20 seconds or a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.

• Avoiding close contact with people that are sick.

• Staying home as much as possible.

• Putting distance between yourself and other people (at least 6 feet).

• Covering the mouth and nose, with a cloth face cover, when around others.

• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and then throwing the tissue in the trash.

• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces daily.

For more information about COVID-19, the LCHD encourages visiting the CDC’s website at bit.ly/about-COVID or calling the Missouri COVID-19 public information hotline at 1-877-435-8411.