During this week’s Pettis County COVID-19 briefing, Pettis County Health Center officials pointed out that once again there is false information circulating on Facebook and other social media.

Officials say the information on COVID-19, the number of cases and the precautions that need to be followed are not made up. The number of cases is based on data received at the Health Center from laboratories. The precautions are based on the science of disease transmission.

Health Center officials also say, “The Health Center and the County Health Officials do not post false information as compared to others who seem to want to confuse the community.”

Health Center officials also remind residents, “As a reminder, the face-covering rule is still in place for Pettis County. There has been no court ruling to overturn the rule. The order of the Missouri Supreme Court mandates the wearing of a mask in all public areas of the court, including the lobby.”

Health Center officials add: “Mental-health issues are a challenge during the pandemic. There are people who are isolating in their homes for fear of catching the virus, but this isolation is not healthy for them. The isolation and fear has passed the level of caution, and is a threat to their well being. Burrell has a crisis line at (800) 395-2132. Compass Health also has a crisis line at (888) 237-4567 for a substance-abuse issue. If you know of someone who is struggling with isolation and fear, you are encouraged to help them reach out for help.”