Dec 20, 2024 Local News
(*This story has been updated on 3/22/20 at 4:10 p.m. for news to reflect St. Francois County Health Department officials say there is now one confirmed case of the caronavirus in St. Francois County.)
(St. Francois County, MO.) A statement from Amber Elliot, the department's Director, reads:
On Sunday, March 22nd at 2pm, the St. Francois County Health Center was notified of the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in a resident of St. Francois County. The individual is a female in her 30s and is currently at home in isolation. She has been quarantined since being tested on March 20th.
Public health officials are actively investigating this case and will begin contacting persons who may have been in close contact with this individual. Close contacts are anyone within six feet of a confirmed case for at least fifteen minutes. This case is a healthcare professional who had an exposure to a confirmed case from another jurisdiction. The patient will remain in isolation until further notice. The name and identifying information of this patient will not be released to protect the privacy of the individual.
As testing capacity increases, the Health Center expects to see more confirmed cases. The Health Center strongly urges the public to follow the guidance of public health officials to reduce the spread of disease. This includes social distancing, handwashing, disinfection of frequently used/touched surfaces, and staying home while sick.
Another update from health officials is scheduled for tomorrow at 11am.
For health tips and local news concerning the corona virus, visit www.kfmo.com/coronavirus-info
