Stoddard County confirms eighth case of COVID-19; Two cases now listed as recovered

Stoddard County confirmed its eighth positive case of COVID-19. This case is contact related. The patient is a female in her mid-60s and is quarantined at home. The health department is working with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to determine any close contacts of the individual who were potentially exposed.

If it is determined there were any contacts, those individuals will be given guidance by health officials and monitored for the development of symptoms.

Stoddard County Health Center Director Ben Godwin said he was notified of another case by the state but it turned out to be a negative test result.

On a positive note the Stoddard County Health Center has confirmed that two previous cases have been released from quarantine. These cases are now reclassified from “positives” to “recovered” and are no longer a threat to the public. These individuals are no longer contagious and no longer a threat to others.

Easter Sunday

The Stoddard County Health Center stated in a Facebook release it has been contacted by several churches asking if they would be in violation of the social distancing order if a drive-up church service is held on Easter Sunday. A drive-up service means everyone remains in their vehicle with the window rolled down to hear the sermon delivered by the pastor.

This is not a violation of the order and the Stoddard County Health Center has encouraged the county churches to have this type of gathering. This will allow the celebration of Easter to proceed as normally as possible during this time.

Godwin said as long as people stay in their vehicles and the pastor uses some type of loud speaker it is OK.