The Moniteau County Health Center reported the county's sixth coronavirus death since the start of the pandemic late Tuesday afternoon.
The individual was a resident in their 70s. In a release, the Health Center said no further information about the individual will be released at this time.
The county last reported a death due to COVID-19 on Sept. 26. The news comes amid a recent spike in active cases in the county, as nearly 80 new cases have been reported in Moniteau County in just the past week and the county quickly approaches 500 total cases since the start of the pandemic in March.
Active cases of COVID-19 currently sit at 78 in Moniteau County, about the highest total at any one time thus far, and 401 individuals have recovered. Six patients remain hospitalized due to the virus as of 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.
The Health Center again urged everyone to take preventive actions to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including avoiding close contact with people who are sick; avoiding touching one's eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands; washing one's hands with soap and water regularly; cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces regularly; staying home if one feels sick; and adhering to proper social distancing by remaining 6 feet away from others and wearing a facial covering when engaging in tasks away from home.
For more information, visit the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services website or the CDC website. A statewide COVID-19 hotline also operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 877-435-8411.