FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Carol Bookhout, Public Information Officer
carol.bookhout@polkcountyhealth.org
Media Line: (417)326-7250
Third case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Polk County, Missouri
POLK COUNTY, MO June 1, 2020 – The Polk County Health Center has confirmed its third 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 contact with the individual while infectious have been contacted and will be monitored for fever and respiratory symptoms by the Polk County Health Center epidemiology team. The case is a result from exposure to a work-related positive not located in Polk County. No other information will be provided about the patient.
“We have been very fortunate that in all three positive cases, the individuals have not visited public places for which we would have to issue a public notice of exposure. These individuals are to be commended for embracing personal responsibility to limit exposure in our community,” says Michelle Morris, Polk County Health Center Administrator.
As we continue to take steps to reopen our community, it is even more important for all of us to interact with our environment carefully. If someone is sick or thinks they may be sick, they should stay home.
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.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- cough,
- fever,
- shortness of breath,
- chills,
- muscle pain,
- sore throat
- and new loss of taste or smell.
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.