Second Positive COVID-19 Case Confirmed In Ripley County

There now are two confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Ripley County.

The Ripley County Health Center announced Saturday morning a second county resident has tested positive for the Coronavirus.

The first case was announced late Friday afternoon. Ripley County Health Center Director Jan Morrow said through social media that the first patient is recovering nicely and continues to be isolated.

No other information would be provided about the patients, she said.

The health center staff monitors all cases and follow up with contacts will be done, said Morrow.

Local health officials are working closely with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and the national CDC to identify and contact people who may have come in contact with individuals while they were infectious and will monitor them for fever and respiratory symptoms.

According to the DHSS, as of Friday evening there were 670 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Missouri and nine deaths. A total of 10,752 people had been tested in the state.

If you suspect that you have COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, call your healthcare provider to let them know before seeking care. It is critical that your provider is aware that you may have COVID-19 prior to your arrival at a healthcare facility and that you follow all instructions for arriving at a healthcare facility.

To reduce the risk and prevent the spread of COVID-19, health officials provide the following basic preventative measures:

•Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.

•Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

•Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces frequently.

•Practice social distancing.

•Postpone any non-essential activities.

•Avoid person-to-person interaction with possible.

During a special meeting on Friday morning, the Ripley County Commission officially declared a state of emergency in the county.

The declaration is neither a county-wide shut-down nor a call to shelter-in-place, the commissioners said.

The declaration does, however, make the county eligible for state and federal resources that could become available.