The Cooper County Health Center has reported there has been a third death in the county related to COVID-19. No identifying information regarding the individual will be released by the Health Center except the fact that the person died on Saturday, August 22 and the center has been conducting contact tracing in this case prior to their death.
According to the health center, all three deaths were persons who were over the age of 80 years old and were at high risk for complications from the virus.
To date, there have been 213 positive cases of the virus confirmed in the county. With 28 cases still active, and the three deaths, there are 181 persons recovered.
The Cooper County Health Center works in conjunction with DHSS to conduct an investigation into reported cases in an effort to identify anyone that may have come into close contact with the positive individual to monitor them for symptoms and assist in the containment of the virus. If you suspect that you may have COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus, contact your healthcare provider before seeking care unless it is a life threatening emergency.
If You Believe You Have Symptoms
· Call the COVID-19 Hotline at 877.435.8411. Do not go to the emergency room or doctor’s office before calling. If unable to get through, call your local healthcare provider.
· If you do not have a local healthcare provider, call the Cooper County Public Health Center at 660.882.2626. The Center does not have a physician on staff however, we will help you locate a healthcare provider.
· Follow the instructions provided by healthcare professionals.
· Stay home: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 can isolate at home during their illness. You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care.
· Avoid public areas: Do not go to work, school, or public areas.
· Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ridesharing, or taxis.
· Stay away from others: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
Local Testing
The Cooper County Public Health Center does testing by appointment only. You must call prior to coming to the health center. Please call 660-882-2626 to speak with a staff member to be scheduled for testing.
Both MU Health Care and Boone Hospital Center have begun offering drive-thru testing.
MU Health Care will offer drive-thru COVID-19 testing for patients with physician orders. The drive-thru testing is for patients with mild symptoms who have been assessed by a provider either through a clinic or video visit. Testing will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the MU North Campus off Business Loop 70. MU Health Care is now offering free video visits to assess for COVID-19. Patients should visit MUHealthVideoVisits.org and select the “COVID-19” video visit option.
Boone Hospital Center will need an order from your provider. Call your primary care provider to see if you qualify for testing. If you qualify for testing through this process, an order will be sent directly to our mobile testing site.
Once you have an order for testing from a provider, visit our drive-thru testing site located just west of the hospital at the Doctor’s Building, 1504 E. Broadway. Our drive-thru testing is open Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.-12 p.m. It is closed on Sundays. You will remain in your car the entire time. You will be asked for you provider order (can be in-hand or submitted electronically by your provider), a photo ID and your insurance card if available. There is no out-of-pocket cost for COVID-19 testing at the time of service.