New Madrid County has first confirmed COVID-19 case

NEW MADRID, Mo. - The New Madrid County Health Department reported the county’s first positive case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) Wednesday afternoon.

According to a news release on the department’s Facebook page, the case is not travel-related. The patient is quarantined at home, officials said.

The Health Department staff is working in coordination with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and all the contacts to this case were notified. Health officials said they will provide guidance to these individuals and monitor them closely for the development of symptoms.

No other information was released.

The Health Department urges the public to take appropriate precautions including good hygiene, social distancing and limiting in-person interactions. Individuals who are sick, particularly with a fever and a cough, or shortness of breath, should stay home and contact a health care provider or urgent care center for guidance regarding symptoms and next steps.

“The best tips for prevention are still social distancing and proper handwashing,” officials emphasized. “Staying home if you are sick and avoiding close contact with others will help us limit any spread.”