FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Carol Bookhout, Public Information Officer
carol.bookhout@polkcountyhealth.org
Media Line: (417)326-7250
Polk County, Missouri adds 16 COVID-19 cases
POLK COUNTY, MO July 15, 2020 – The Polk County Health Center has confirmed 16 positive cases of COVID-19 in Polk County bringing the total to 57 cases.
The additional cases have been traced to a Polk County gathering of less than 200 people. All those who may have come into contact with the individuals while infectious are being notified and will be monitored for fever and respiratory symptoms by the Polk County Health Center contact tracing staff. An opportunity for testing by the Health Center in cooperation with Citizens Memorial Hospital COVID-19 testing site will be provided to individuals identified as a direct contact by the PCHC staff.
As a result of the COVID-19 activity PCHC is notifying the public of potential community exposures. Before being diagnosed the cases visited Polk County establishments on the following dates:
Friday, July 3:
Brenda’s Café, Bolivar from 11a.m.- noon (infectious and not symptomatic, not masked)
Thursday, July 9:
Rooster’s BBQ, Bolivar at 11:30a.m. (infectious and not symptomatic, not masked)
Friday, July 10:
Woods Supermarket, Bolivar at 2:30p.m. (infectious and symptomatic, not masked)
Saturday, July 11:
Bruce and LeAN Auction and Appraisals, Hedgewood Street Location, 9-11:30a.m. (infectious and not symptomatic, not masked)
Monday, July 13 and Tuesday, July 14:
Fast and Friendly, Broadway and Hwy D Location, between 7-7:30a.m. (infectious and not symptomatic, not masked)
Anyone who was at these locations on these dates 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.
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. Remember 1-2-3. Wash hands (1), practice social distancing (2), and stay home if you are sick (3). Additionally, we encourage all residents to wear a face covering while in public areas, especially when social distancing may be difficult.
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.
If you believe you have symptoms of COVID-19 please contact your primary care physician via phone or virtual visit for treatment recommendations.
“It is our responsibility to take steps to suppress COVID-19 in our community and interact with our environment carefully. If someone is sick or thinks they may be sick, please stay home. We will slow the spread of the virus if we all practice social distancing, proper hand hygiene and wear a face covering whenever in a public location,” says Michelle Morris, Polk County Health Center Administrator.
For more information, please visit the Polk County Health Center website: www.polkcountyhealthcenter.org
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