Stoddard County sees first confirmed case of COVID-19

BLOOMFIELD — Stoddard County has its first confirmed case of COVID-19, the Stoddard County Health Department reported via Facebook.

The patient is a male in his early 40s, and the case in contact related. The patient currently is quarantined at home.

The health department staff is working in coordination with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to determine anyone who had close contact with the individual and possibly may have been exposed to the virus.

If any individuals are identified, health officials will provide guidance and monitor the individuals for symptoms.

Stoddard County officials have stressed residents should not panic and should not go to hospital emergency rooms.

Those with symptoms — fever and cough or difficulty breathing — should first call their health care provider to discuss their situation before going to a facility.

Stoddard County Health Center Director Ben Godwin again stressed residents washing their hands and social distancing are the best ways to protect themselves.

Staying home if you are sick and avoiding close contact with others will help limit any spread.

It’s important to note community transmission is not a factor at this point in Stoddard County.

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, seven days a week at 877-435-8411.