Online Update: LawCo Has 23 Active COVID-19 Cases as of June 26; 31 Total Since Outbreak Began

Lawrence County health authorities are reporting a further 4 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection today (June 26), after reporting a further 9 cases yesterday, and 8 cases earlier in the week. The total name of cases in Lawrence County now stands at 31, with 23 active and 8 recovered.

The staff of the Lawrence County Health Department have made the decision that, with the rapidly increasing number of cases in the county over the past week, itineraries of positive cases will only be posted for those that pose the most significant risk to the community. Those identified as being in close contact with anyone testing positive for COVID-19 will be contacted directly.

Among the new cases confirmed today is an employee of Play Power in Monett, and LCHD staff said they have been working with that company to determine which employees were most of risk of exposure from working near the affected individual. All such employees have been instructed to self-quarantine, at home, for 14 days (two weeks) from the last occurrence of potential exposure. Play Power has currently shut down about 30,000 sq ft of the plant over the weekend, and will be deep cleaning and disinfecting that all common areas.

"They are taking the situation very seriously and have been extremely cooperative," the LCHD said in a statement. "We will continue to follow up with the positive case and all close contacts during their time of isolation and quarantine."

Among the other newly confirmed cases, two are direct contacts of previously infected individuals and another remains under investigation.

As the number of confirmed cases continue to rise in Lawrence and surrounding counties, the Health Department is strongly urging the public to continue to continue taking these vital precautions:

When out in public, understand that anyone you are around could potentially be carrying the virus. People are also infectious 48 hours before showing symptoms (unless asymptomatic). Therefore, we strongly recommend wearing a mask. Think of it as “I protect you, you protect me”’. Yes, masks are not 100% effective, but it sure beats no protection at all.
• Wear a mask or face covering in public

• Avoid large crowds and gatherings

• Keep 6 ft of distance between you and others (even when masked)

• Stay home when sick

• Wash hand frequently, don’t touch your face, and clean frequently touched surfaces often

Symptoms of COVID-19 include: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea. If symptoms develop, contact a healthcare provider before doing any thing in-person. Visit the LCHD website at www.lawrencecohealth.com for more information about COVID-19 and testing.