The Howell County Health Department confirms the first case of COVID-19 in a 44 year old female in West Plains.
The Health Department urges county residents who develop flu-like symptoms such as a headache, body aches, fever, or cough to stay at home and contact their health care provider. Residents who are not ill should make sure that they have enough food, medication, and other items they may need if they get ill and have to isolate themselves at home for several days.
“We must be disciplined to isolate ourselves at home if we’re not feeling well,” says Department Administrator Chris Gilliam. “I know the temptation is to continue going to work, or going to the store, but that will risk spreading the virus to other people in the community.” He adds, “Now more than ever, we need to band together to fight against the spread of COVID-19, and to support those in our community who become ill and need our care and assistance.”
The Health Department states that contact tracing has begun and that individuals who are believed to have been in contact with the infected individual will be contacted.