During the Pettis County COVID-19 Task Force Briefing on Monday, August 17, it was announced that there has been an increase of 114 confirmed cases of the virus and one new death related to the virus since last reported on Monday, August 10.

The Pettis County Health Department has reported two new cases since the report from the Task Force Briefing came out.

According to the Health Department, to date, there have been a total of 627 confirmed cases reported in Pettis County with 162 of these cases currently active. This is a 22.46% increase in the number of cases reported in the county in the last week, which is the highest weekly reported increase in cases.

Of the 627 cases that have been reported, there are 460 persons who have been released from observation, four people remain hospitalized and there have been five deaths related to the virus in Pettis County.

The Health Center will continue to monitor cases and ask about attendance at the Missouri State Fair. Community members who visit the Fair need to be alert to symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, sore throat, headache, muscle aches and nausea/vomiting/diarrhea. If symptoms develop, please be tested. This is critically important to protect our children as they return to school next week.

Comments have been made that families know what is needed to protect their members. During a pandemic where the virus can be spread by people who do not know they are ill, activities such as wearing a mask, social distancing, good handwashing, avoiding crowds and staying home if you are ill protect the community, which in turn protects your family.

The face covering rule remains in effect. Click here to view the rule.