COVID-19 update: Health departments say to keep taking measures to avoid virus spread

SIKESTON — The number of new COVID-19 cases continues to fluctuate among counties, but the one message that remains consistent from all health departments is this: keep taking precautions to avoid spreading the virus.

On Friday, Mississippi County Health Department reported 34 new positive cases since Monday, bringing the total number of new cases reported in the last week to 55. The health department previously reported 21 new cases over the weekend on Monday.

The health department said on Friday that since Monday the total number of COVID-19 cases in Mississippi County has increased from 197 to 231. The number of COVID-19 cases in the community has increased from 150 to 184, and the total number of active cases in the community has increased from 63 to 70. Of the active community cases, 55 are confirmed positive and 15 are probable.

“The active cases increased by 7 because as we received new positive cases, some of the previously active cases came out of isolation,” the health department said.

The Missouri Department of Corrections continues to report four of 24 staff members at the Southeast Correctional Center in Charleston who have tested positive for the virus are still active with all 47 inmates who tested positive have recovered.

“Your risk of COVID-19 increases the closer you get to others and the longer you interact with them,” the health department said. “Take steps to help safely resume daily activities and slow the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a mask, avoiding crowds, choosing outdoor spaces, staying at least 6 feet apart from people who don’t live with you; and bringing tissues and hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.”

On Thursday, the Scott County Health Department reported 14 new positive cases, bringing the total number of active cases to 161. The total number of people who have recovered is 366. There have been 13 deaths. The total number of new cases from the past week (Aug. 14-20) was 84.

“Thank you for being patient as we collected demographic information the past few days on our new positives to bring you the most accurate information,” the Scott County Health Department said Thursday. “The state has a new COVID data reporting system, which we are all getting used to and trying to work out some kinks in the process. 

“We are still strongly recommending that you continue to social distance to prevent the spread of this disease,” the Scott County Health Department continued. “Please stay home from work and other activities, if you are feeling sick or have a close family member sick. Wear a mask when out in public, to protect you and others. Also, if you have COVID-19 symptoms, please contact your primary care physician to determine if you need testing.”

Nine new cases were reported late Thursday in New Madrid County, according to the Health Department. There are 52 active cases with 268 out of quarantine and four deaths and a total of 320 cases.

In Stoddard County, four new cases were reported Thursday, according to the Public Health Center’s COVID-19 report. There are currently 18 active cases in the Stoddard County with 228 recovered and nine deaths, according to the Thursday report. There are a total of 255 total positive cases in the county since March.

On Thursday afternoon, the Pemiscot County Health Center reported 32 active cases. There are three residents currently hospitalized and 250 have been released from isolation with nine deaths. There have been a total of 291 confirmed cases.

On Friday, the Dunklin County Health Department reported 78 active cases in the county. There have been 339 recoveries and six deaths with a total of 423 confirmed cases.

Cape Girardeau County saw an increase of 14 active cases from Wednesday to Thursday, giving the county 149 active cases as of late Thursday afternoon. There have been 684 recoveries and six deaths in the county.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reported 1,231 new cases with two additional deaths in the last 24 hours as of Friday afternoon. Missouri has had 72,964 cases since the pandemic began and 1,419 deaths.