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 20, 2020 4:00p.m. – The Polk County Health Center (PCHC) has confirmed its 11th positive case of COVID-19 in Polk County. The patient, a Polk County resident, is currently at home in isolation, following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
All those who may have come into direct contact with the individual while infectious have been contacted by Citizens Memorial infection prevention staff and the Polk County Health Center epidemiology team. All those in quarantine will be monitored for fever and respiratory symptoms by PCHC staff. The case is a result of domestic travel.
During the PCHC investigation of our positive case it has been determined that public notification of the activities around this case is warranted.
On Tuesday, June 16, our case visited
- Bolivar Aldi between the hours of 12:00p.m.-1:00p.m.
- Bolivar Wal-Mart between the hours of 1:00p.m. – 2:00p.m.
The case was not symptomatic and was not masked at the time.
On Thursday, June 18, our case visited Curly Que BarBQue in Bolivar between the hours of 12:00p.m.-1:00p.m. The case was mildly symptomatic and was not masked.
On Friday, June 19, our case visited Walgreens on South Springfield Street between the hours of 3:00p.m.-4:00p.m. The case was symptomatic and was masked.
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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