Moniteau County active COVID-19 cases continue downward trajectory

Active coronavirus cases maintain a steady low in Moniteau County, following a drop in the county's categorized risk level to "Critical Risk" last week.

Active cases sit at 21 as of press time Tuesday, part of a total of 1,865 cases reported since the beginning of the pandemic. The county recorded another death last Tuesday, a resident in their 80s, bringing the count of total deaths to 28. As of Tuesday, three individuals are hospitalized for their COVID-19 symptoms.

The Health Center continues to urge the public to take 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 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.

Symptoms of COVID-19 may include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For more information about COVID-19 in Missouri and what can be done on an individual level to help stop the spread, visit oneforallmo.com. Additional information about COVID-19 can be found at health.mo.gov/coronavirus or cdc.gov/coronavirus.

Missouri operates a statewide COVID-19 hotline at 877-435-8411 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday.