Howell County confirms 2nd and 3rd case of COVID-19

The Howell County Health Department reports that they have received confirmation of two more COVID-19 cases in Howell County.  It has been reported that both individuals had recently participated in drive thru testing clinics in West Plains.  Health Department officials stated that contacts to the cases have been notified and quarantined.

To further combat the spread of COVID-19 in Missouri, Governor Parson directed Dr. Randall Williams, Director of Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, to issue a Stay at Home Order which is effective today, April 6, 2020.

Advertisement

This Order directs all Missourians to avoid leaving their residences, unless necessary, and to practice social distancing when they need to travel outside their homes to work, access foods, prescriptions, health care, and other necessities, or to engage in an outdoor activity.

Health Department Director Chris Gilliam states that a guidance and frequently asked questions regarding the State Order link can be found to on their website www.howellcountyhealth.com   Gilliam adds that the guidance provided by the state is vague but that he anticipates additional clarification from the State in the days ahead.

It is critical to maintaining 6-feet social distancing to slow the spread of the virus.  CDC is now advising the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.  Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.

The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators.  Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.

COVID-19 Testing Report Provided by the Howell County Health Department.

REPORT REFLECTS NOTIFICATIONS TO THE DEPT. AS OF 2:00 P.M. 4/6/20

Number Tested: 199

Negative Results (virus not detected): 187

Positive Results (virus detected): 3

Pending Results: 9

Advertisement
Wood & Huston