COVID-19 Cases Continue to Increase in Lawrence County

by James McNary, Articles Editor

On June 30, July 1, July 2 and July 6, the Lawrence County Health Department confirmed a number of new cases of COVID-19 in that county, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 47, with 17 active.

The latest LCHD statement reported that all cases were isolating at home and that members of the affected households were under quarantine.

“Direct contacts with other positive cases could not be determined with 2 of the cases so community exposure is likely,” continued the LCHD statement.

At least one of the cases is another related to the Bentonview Park Health and Rehabilitation facility in Monett that currently has a number of active cases confirmed in Barry and other counties. Other cases were travel or work-related exposures, not considered to pose a risk to the general public. The point of exposure for several cases in a single household was still under investigation at presstime.

On Sunday, June 28, one of the cases was not symptomatic, but was wearing a mask, while attending worship services at the Church of the Nazarene in Monett from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The church has been notified and have stated that they will be suspending services for two weeks beginning last Sunday, July 5. Those who attended services on June 28 do not yet need to quarantine, but should monitor themselves for symptoms. If symptoms arise, stay home and contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

The LCHD said that there were no additional locations of putting the public at risk to report.

Lawrence County now has 47 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 29 recovered and 1 individual deceased from the Coronavirus-caused illness. Symptoms of COVID-19 can begin to appear at any point from 2 days to 2 weeks after exposure to the virus.

“Everyone is urged to take preventive actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” continued the LCHD statement.

Recommended preventive actions include:

- Wearing a mask in public and/or at work.

- Avoiding large social gatherings where social distancing is difficult to achieve.

- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

- Avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

- Washing hands often, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds -- or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.

- Cover coughs or sneezes in the crook of the arm, or in a tissue, then wash hands.

- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using regular household cleaning sprays or wipes.

- Stay home if feeling sick.

Older adults and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions are at higher risk of the more serious complications from COVID-19. Anyone who feels they may have been exposed to COVID-19 and then develops the following symptoms: Fever or chills; cough; shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; fatigue; muscle or body aches; headache; new loss of taste or smell; sore throat; congested or runny nose; nausea or vomiting; and or diarrhea; should contact their health provider for medical advice, before even making any in-person contacts.

The LCHD said CoxHealth is also still offering virtual visits at https://www.coxhealth.com/services/virtualvisits/.com.