FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Carol Bookhout, Public Information Officer
carol.bookhout@polkcountyhealth.org
Media Line: (417)326-7250
Second case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Polk County, Missouri
POLK COUNTY, MO May 15, 2020 – The Polk County Health Center has confirmed its second 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).
The Polk County Health Center is working to notify people who may have come into contact with the individual while they were infectious and will monitor them for fever and respiratory symptoms. No other information will be provided about the patient.
To reduce risk and prevent the spread of COVID-19, we encourage following these basic preventative measures:
- Practice physical distancing of 6 feet when in public places
- Wear a face covering when in public
- 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
- Stay home whenever possible
- Avoid non-essential travel
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.
The CDC states there are a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle pain
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
This list is not all possible symptoms. Other less common symptoms have been reported, including gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
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.
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