FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Carol Bookhout, Public Information Officer
carol.bookhout@polkcountyhealth.org
Media Line: (417)326-7250
Additional Positives at Residential Facility
POLK COUNTY, MO July 28, 2020 – The Polk County Health Center confirmed 25 positive cases in Polk County yesterday, July 28, 2020. The additional cases are a result of ongoing testing at Mashburn Residential Learning Center, Bolivar. All those who may have come into contact with the individuals while infectious have been notified and will be monitored for fever and respiratory symptoms by the Polk County Health Center contact tracing staff.
The MRLC has worked in cooperation with the Polk County Health Center, Ozark Community Health Center and the Missouri Department of Mental Health to provide testing for all clients and staff. This is an ongoing process every seven days.
“It should be expected there will be additional cases with ongoing testing. The testing allows the center to continually assess the virus activity and work to contain the virus. We appreciate the efforts MRLC administration has made to contain the spread further. The increase of PPE supplies for the staff and isolation of residents and staff should result in limited spread in coming weeks,” says Michelle Morris, PCHC Administrator.
The center has been closed to the public since March, including limited visits from healthcare providers. All parents and guardians have been notified and those individuals who have tested positive are quarantined away from the remaining population of clients. The positive tested staff will remain in isolation and monitored by the county health department where they reside, following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For more information, please visit the Polk County Health Center website: www.polkcountyhealthcenter.org
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