Area continues to see increase in COVID-19 cases

As the COVID-19 surge continues to break infection records across the U.S., the local area is not immune as the number of active cases continues to climb.

The U.S. has recorded over 240,000 deaths and more than 10.3 million confirmed infections, with new cases soaring to all-time highs of well over 120,000 per day over the past week. Health experts have blamed the increase in part on the onset of cold weather and growing frustration with mask-wearing and other precautions.

The Scott County Health Department reported 52 new cases Tuesday and 52 new cases on Wednesday, while 30 were released from isolation Tuesday and 33 Wednesday. There were 547 active cases in Scott County, with 1,414 recovered and 33 deaths as of Thursday morning.

According to the New Madrid County Health Department, there are currently 117 active cases in New Madrid County, with 885 out of quarantine with 22 deaths.

Stoddard County is up to 274 active cases, with 1,126 out of quarantine and 30 deaths reported by the health department.

Pemiscot County has 136 active cases, with four of those hospitalized. There have been 18 deaths in the county, with 843 released from isolation.

Cape Girardeau County has 773 active cases, with 60 deaths reported since March. There have been 3,096 recoveries.

The Dunklin County Health Department reports 179 active cases with 1,478 released from isolation and 12 deaths.

There will be free COVID-19 testing in Dunklin County from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at the Dunklin County Health Department, 410 Teaco Road in Kennett. The testing is available to anyone, whether they have symptoms or not. Call 877-435-8411 or visit health.mo.gov/communitytest for more information.