As of Thursday, April 23 there are 21 confirmed cases and the number is expected to increase. There have been two patients who have recovered and have resumed their regular activities and the remainder of the cases continue to recover at home.
With the numbers continuing to increase at this point, there will not be a 14 day decrease in numbers by May 3 and there will still be restrictions in place on May 4. This is following the national and state guidelines.
According to the Department, there will be a new public health order that will go into place on April 25 and there will be a public health order put in place on May 3.
The department continues to work with the community to develop steps to reopen safely. The current restrictions are difficult and hard on many people.   Re-opening the county and then having to close again because of too many cases to be handled for the health care system will bring more difficulty to the community.
One thing that can help understand where the county stands is for people with symptoms is to get tested.   There are testing opportunities at Katy Trail Community Health – 877-733-5824 or Bothwell Regional Health Center Walk In clinic through the COVID hotline by calling the main hospital number at 660-826-8833.   Please contact one of the two testing sites for an appointment.