First COVID-19 Case in Knox County, Missouri

By Lori Moots-Clair, Knox County Health Department Administrator

Knox County, MO – Monday, June 1, 2020 – The Knox County Health Department is announcing its first positive case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The case is travel-related and the patient is in the age range of 50-60 years old.

Health Department staff are working in coordination with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to determine any close contacts of that individual and monitor them closely for the development of symptoms.

The health department urges the public to take appropriate precautions including good hygiene, social distancing and limiting in-person interactions. If you are sick, particularly with a fever and a cough, or shortness of breath, stay home and contact your health care provider or urgent care center for guidance regarding symptoms and next steps.

“The best tips for prevention are still social distancing and proper handwashing,” said Lori Moots-Clair, director of Knox County Health Department. “Staying home if you are sick and avoiding close contact with others will help us limit any spread.”

For more information, visit the DHSS website at www.health.mo.gov/coronavirus or the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus. A statewide COVID-19 hotline also operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 877-435-8411.

(Editor’s Note: The Edina Sentinel will feature a live-streaming video with the KCHD Administrator as soon as she and her staff have had the chance to complete immediate necessary tasks. Look for that live video on the NEMOnews Facebook page later tonight or early tomorrow. -Echo Menges