FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

Carol Bookhout, Public Information Officer

carol.bookhout@polkcountyhealth.org

Media Line: (417)326-7250

Health Center announces potential COVID-19 exposures

POLK COUNTY, MO June 9, 2020 – The Polk County Health Center (PCHC) has confirmed three additional positive cases of COVID-19 in Polk County. The patients, are Polk County residents and currently at home in isolation, following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  The cases are a result of exposure to a positive contact from domestic travel. 

More than 50 individuals who have been in contact with the new cases while infectious have been contacted and will be monitored through quarantine measures for fever and respiratory symptoms by the Polk County Health Center epidemiology team. 

“It is important to remember that we should interact with our environment as if we are sick or those around us are sick. If you are sick, please stay home to protect your friends and neighbors,” says Michelle Morris, Polk County Health Center Administrator.

During the PCHC investigation it has been determined that public notification of the potential exposures is warranted:

On Saturday, June 6: Silo Golf and Country Club between the hours of 2:00p.m.-7:00p.m. The case was not symptomatic and was not masked at the time.  

On Sunday, June 7: Westlake Ace Hardware between the hours of 10:00a.m. – 11:00a.m. The case was not symptomatic and was not masked at the time. 

On Sunday, June 7: Hibbett Sports between the hours of 12:00p.m. – 5:00p.m. The case was not symptomatic and was not masked at the time. 

On Sunday, June 7: Bolivar Wal-Mart between the hours of 7:30p.m. – 8:30p.m. The case was not symptomatic and was not masked at the time. 

On Tuesday, June 9: Hibbett Sports between the hours of 10:00a.m.-2:00p.m. The case was not symptomatic and was not masked at the time. 

Anyone who was at the above locations at the time of potential exposure is at low risk for contracting COVID-19, but should monitor for symptoms. There is no need to self-quarantine or isolate unless symptoms develop.  

Symptoms of COVID-19 include:  

  • cough,
  • fever,
  • shortness of breath, 
  • chills,
  • muscle pain, 
  • sore throat 
  • and new loss of taste or smell.

If symptoms do develop, seek medical attention.

COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It spreads between people who are in close contact with one another.   

Citizens Memorial Hospital is offering drive-thru testing for COVID-19 with a CMH doctor’s order. Patients with COVID-19 symptoms should complete a CMH Virtual Visit or call a CMH clinic for screening to obtain the order.  More information is available at citizensmemorial.com.

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