UPDATED NUMBERS: Scott County, other local counties, see no new cases Tuesday

After seeing an increase of 10 cases between Friday to Monday, Scott County remained at 24 positive COVID-19 cases Tuesday, according to the Scott County Health Department. Of those 24, seven are recovering or have recovered.

According to the New Madrid County Health Department, there are eight confirmed positive cases with seven active and one recovered.

An article in the Missouri Times reported that two staff members of the Southeast Correctional Center (SECC) in Charleston tested positive for the coronavirus. According to the story, neither of the two employees had contact with inmates and every staff member who had contact with those employees is on a 14-day quarantine.

In a statement issued on social media, the Mississippi County Health Department stated they had not had any communication directly about the information but were reaching out for more information. They said they had not received information regarding a positive COVID-19 test, meaning the employees weren’t residents of Mississippi County which still lists no positive cases.

“Remember, there is always the possibility that we do have positive cases in our county but a person may have such mild symptoms they are not aware,” the statement said. “That is why we ask each of you in our community to please practice social distancing, stay at home especially if you are sick, wash your hands, don’t touch your face and sanitize frequently used surfaces.”

The number of positive cases in other local counties are:

Bollinger 3

Butler 16

Cape Girardeau 30

Dunklin 16

Pemiscot 8

Stoddard 11

Only one death has been reported in any of these counties and that occurred in Cape County last week.

According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Monday afternoon, there are 4,686 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Missouri with 133 deaths being reported. There have been over 47,600 tests conducted in Missouri.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.

The Mississippi County Health Department reminds residents that people do recover from the virus.

“If they have been fever free for at least 72 hours without fever reducing medication, have no respiratory symptoms and are at least seven days past the start of any symptoms a person would be considered recovered,” the health department said.

East Prairie has counseling available

In an effort to help those who are experiencing hardships and anxiety in East Prairie, Mayor Kevin Mainord has created a network of both faith and clinical counselors who are volunteering their services to those who feel they need guidance during the pandemic.

Residents can call Rev. Martin Lucas at 573-233-4582, Rev. Eric McGruder at 573-683-0259, Teresa Morris, MSW/LCSW at 573-649-3026, or Dr. David Dahlbeck, PhD at 573-471-3587.