FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

Carol Bookhout, Public Information Officer

carol.bookhout@polkcountyhealth.org

Media Line: (417)326-7250

Polk County, Missouri confirms three COVID-19 Deaths

The Polk County Health Center has confirmed three additional deaths as a result of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The deaths have occurred through the course of the past week. The individuals were over the age of 65 with underlying health conditions.

To date, the Health Center has identified 447 positive cases of COVID-19 in Polk County and 4 deaths.

“The most difficult part of the COVID-19 pandemic is losing people to the virus. To all of you who have lost loved ones, we are deeply sorry,” said Michelle Morris, Polk County Health Center Administrator. “We are reminded that the work ahead requires that we continue to ensure access to testing, early treatment and care, and economic support among those communities at higher risk of devastating outcomes associated with COVID-19, is essential.”

PCHC reminds everyone that if you are ill, even with mild symptoms, please stay at home until you are fever and symptom free for 72 hours. If you have been in close contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 or is presumed to be infected with COVID-19, you must quarantine for 14 days from your last contact with that individual. Individuals who are elderly or who have underlying health conditions may be at higher risk of serious illness and should contact their doctor as soon as they are sick. The best protection against COVID-19 is to wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, self-isolate if you are sick, practice physical distancing (especially by staying at home) and wear a clean face covering when in contact with others from outside your household.

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