The confirmed number of positive cases of COVID-19 has increased in Saline County.
According to the Saline County Health Department, another four positive cases of COVID-19 were confirmed on Saturday, April 18, bringing the total number of positive cases to 64 in the county. Five persons who tested positive have recovered.
The patients have been quarantined at home since the initial test. No further information will be provided about these individuals by the Saline County Health Department.
The Saline County Health Department continues to work on contact tracing with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and the CDC to identify anyone who may have come into contact with the individuals while they were infectious. Those contacts will be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days, and they will be monitored for fever, respiratory issues and other symptoms of COVID-19.
If you suspect that you have COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, call your healthcare provider to let them know before seeking care. It is critical that your provider is aware you may have COVID-19 prior to your arrival at a healthcare facility, and that you follow all instructions for arriving.
Saline County Health Department Administrator Tara Brewer says there are cases across the entire county. She says it’s more important than ever to follow all social-distancing rules. She urges Saline County citizens to stay at home, if at all possible; and to take personal responsibility for themselves and their families.
Brewer also encourages all county residents to continue to wash their hands frequently and use hand sanitizer. If you are ill with symptoms of a fever, cough or trouble breathing, she urges you to contact your healthcare provider.
To reduce your risk and prevent the spread of COVID-19, you are urged to follow several basic preventive measures:
· Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; or use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60-percent alcohol.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;
· Stay home if you are sick;
· Cover your sneeze or cough with your elbow or shoulder instead of hands; and
· Clean and disinfect high-contact surfaces frequently.