(Park Hills, Mo) - A large surge in cases for Corona virus has occurred over the past 24 hours in St. Francois County.
There have been a total of 144 cases of COVID-19 reported since March 22, 2020. Cases are reported by hospitals, doctors, labs, and other healthcare entities.
At times, cases may be identified through epidemiological investigations.
There are currently 95 active cases of COVID-19 in the county; 90 of which are associated with DOC outbreaks. Most cases associated with ERDCC and FCC are inmates. FCC is set to begin facility-wide testing next week.
A total of 51 cases have been connected to the Farmington Prison outbreak; some of which have shown symptoms of the illness. A total of 50 cases have been connected to the Bonne Terre Prison outbreak; all are currently asymptomatic.
The Governor has emphasized the importance of personal responsibility. Individuals need to follow healthy hygiene practices, stay at home when they are sick, practice physical distancing to lower the risk of spread, and use a cloth face covering (with some exceptions) in community settings when physical distancing cannot be maintained. It is up to everyone person to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
The Francois County Health Department has stated the following:
All persons should continue to monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 which include:
Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle Pain/body aches
Headache
Sore Throat
New loss of taste or smell
Congestion or runny nose
Diarrhea
N/V If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19, you should get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:
Trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion or inability to arouse
Bluish lips or face
*This list is not all inclusive.
Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning. If you have a medical emergency, call 911. Notify the operator that you have, or think you might have, COVID-19.
If possible, put on a cloth face covering before medical help arrives. If you are going to the hospital via your own transport, please call your local hospital before arriving.