FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Carol Bookhout, Public Information Officer
carol.bookhout@polkcountyhealth.org
Media Line: (417)326-7250
First case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Polk County, Missouri
POLK COUNTY, MO 4/7/2020 – The Polk County Health Center has confirmed its first positive case of COVID-19 in Polk County. The case is travel related. In order to protect the patient’s right to privacy; identifying information will not be provided.
The patient, a Polk County resident, has been at home in isolation and monitoring symptoms since being tested, following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Due to the proactive steps this patient took once being tested, there were no contacts made during the illness.
“This patient followed the instructions to stay at home and limited contact with others. The patient did exactly what was asked to prevent the spread of the virus in our community,” says Michelle Morris, Polk County Health Center Administrator.
To reduce risk and prevent the spread of COVID-19, we encourage following these basic preventative measures:
- Stay home
- Practice physical distancing of 6 feet when in public places
- Stay home if you are sick in order to keep from passing illness to others
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
If you suspect that you have COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, call your healthcare provider to let them know before seeking care. It is critical that your provider is aware that you may have COVID-19 prior to your arrival at a healthcare facility, and that you follow all instructions for arriving at a healthcare facility.
Citizens Memorial Hospital is offering drive-thru testing for COVID-19 with a CMH doctor’s order. Patients with COVID-19 symptoms should call the CMH COVID-19 hotline at 417-328-4300. More information is available at citizensmemorial.com.