November 2020 COVID-19 Updates

ADAIR COUNTY CONFIRMS 590 CASES IN NOVEMBER

Kirksville, MO 11/30/20 – Adair County closed the month of November with 590 cases of COVID-19, more than 48% of the rest of the year combined. Total cases now stand at 1,221 with an uptick predicted following the Thanksgiving holiday.

Not only did residents see a surge of cases in November, but also an increase in hospitalizations, use of a ventilator and two COVID-related deaths. The range of ages of those who tested positive during the month was 5 months to 95 years old.

The 23 cases confirmed today include two in the skilled nursing facility sector, three in the K-12 schools sector, and one employee of an area meat-processing plant. Of the 13 cases at addresses with at least one other confirmed case, two addresses account for seven of today’s cases.

Today’s cases include females ages 14, 24, 30, 35, 51, 59, 61, 65, 70, 80 and 86. Males are ages 11, 15, two age 21, 23, 27, 29, 39, 41, 49, 53 and 59.

 

ADAIR COUNTY NEARS 1,200 COVID-19 CASES

Kirksville, MO 11/29/20 – Eight new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed today by the Adair County Health Department, bringing the total number of cases to 1,198. There are 97 active cases and 1,101 people who have left isolation.

New cases include females ages 27, 61, 67, 77, 86 and 90, and males ages 17 and 62. Among today’s cases are five in the skilled nursing facilities sector. Seven cases are at addresses with one or more confirmed cases.

 

EIGHT NEW COVID-19 CASES CONFIRMED TODAY

Kirksville, MO 11/28/20 – Eight new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed today by the Adair County Health Department. The Health Department has now topped 2,600 contact tracing calls.

The cases include females ages 15, 35, 41, 48, and a 70-year-old female admitted to the Northeast Regional Medical Center (NRMC) intensive care unit yesterday. She is not on a ventilator.

Males are 21, 67 and a 72-year-old male admitted to NRMC on Thursday. He is not on a ventilator.

There are 99 active cases and 1,091 people have left isolation. Today’s cases include three at addresses with a previously confirmed case.

 

ADAIR COUNTY COVID-19 CASE COUNT REACHES 1,182

Kirksville, MO 11/27/20 – Eight confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Thanksgiving Day and six more confirmed today brings Adair County’s total case count to 1,182. There are 104 active cases and 1,078 people who have left isolation.

Cases confirmed on Thanksgiving are females ages 20, 45, 48 and 49, and males ages 14, 20, 26 and 31. Those confirmed today are females ages 21, 50 and 71, and males ages 5 months, 20 and 37.

Among these 14 cases, one is in the K-12 schools sector and one is in the higher education sector. Five reside at addresses with at least one other previously confirmed case.

 

MASK ORDERS TO BE ENFORCED AS CASES HIT 1,168 

Kirksville, MO 11/25/20 – As 16 newly confirmed cases raised Adair County’s case count to 1,168, the mask order issued by the Adair County Health Department and the City of Kirksville’s face-covering ordinance go into effect. The efforts are responsive to increasing case numbers throughout the county.

Enforcement of the Health Department’s order rests primarily with citizens reporting violations. Anyone witnessing a violation of the order should call the Adair County Health Department at 660-665-8491 to report it. This includes reporting a person who has tested positive for the virus who fails to remain in mandatory isolation until meeting the requirements set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Health Department will then forward witness statements to the Adair County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

The City of Kirksville’s ordinance establishes fines to be assessed for violations.

Businesses can locate a sign regarding the ordinance, available for printing, on the Adair County Health Department website under the “Forms” link at the top right of the homepage. The document is named “Mask Notice.”

“There is a critical public health reason people who have tested positive for COVID-19 are required to isolate, and those who have had close contact with a positive case are required to quarantine,” said Jim LeBaron, Health Department administrator. “Concerned citizens have been reporting violators but until now, we haven’t had any way to enforce isolation measures. Now, we do.”

“We don’t tell people to isolate or quarantine just to inconvenience them,” LeBaron said. “We do it to protect the safety of the people who live in Adair County. Public health safety is our sole motivation, and when people who shouldn’t be out leave their homes, they’re spreading the virus. The science proves that. Just stay home until you’re safe to be out in public again and you just might save a life,” he said.

The 16 new cases confirmed today involve four females age 21, 23, 26, 30, 36, 41, 57 and 64. Males are ages 19, 21, 23, 47 and 48. Four are in the higher education sector and one is in the K-12 schools sector. Three reside at addresses with at least one previously confirmed case.

A 55-year-old female admitted to Northeast Regional Medical Center on Nov. 21 was discharged to home on Nov. 24 without requiring use of a ventilator.

 

ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY FOR FREE COVID-19 TESTING IN ADAIR COUNTY

Kirksville, MO 11/25/20 – The Missouri National Guard, in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, will be conducting another opportunity for free COVID-19 testing from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020 at the NEMO Fairgrounds 4-H FFA building.

Testing is free to any Missouri resident and you do not have to be exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 to be tested. The method is a self-administered simple PCR test in which people insert the swab into their own nose. Results should be available within three to five days.

Access to testing will be from the Illinois Street entrance. Missourians should register for the drive-through at www.health.mo.gov/communitytest or by calling 877-435-8411 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

 

11 NEW CASES CONFIRMED IN ADAIR COUNTY

Kirksville, MO 11/24/20 – Eleven new cases of COVID-19 confirmed today in Adair County brings the overall case count to 1,152. There are 121 active cases and 1,031 people who have left isolation. Two deaths have been attributed to COVID-19.

Today’s cases include females ages 21, 22, 34, 44 and 51. Males are ages 3, 6, 10, 15, 21 and 50. Three cases are in the K-12 schools sector and two are in the higher education sector. Five reside at addresses with at least one other confirmed case.

A 61-year-old female whose case was reported on Nov. 16 was admitted to Samaritan Hospital in Macon, Mo., on Nov. 19, then transferred to Hannibal Regional Hospital on Nov. 22. She has not required use of a ventilator.

 

ADAIR COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT IMPLEMENTS COUNTY-WIDE MASK  ORDER IN LIGHT OF RISING CASES OF COVID-19

Kirksville, MO 11/24/20 – The Board of the Adair County Health Department has voted unanimously to implement a county-wide mask mandate in an effort to slow the transmission of COVID-19 among residents.

When the Board met Oct. 26, there had been 551 confirmed cases of the virus in the county. At the time of its Nov. 23 meeting, that number had risen to 1,141. The case total for that 28-day period was 591 which is nearly 52% of all cases since the first one reported in Adair County on March 21, 2020.

The Health Department has the statutory authority to “…Establish appropriate control measures which may include…the creation and enforcement of adequate orders to prevent the spread of the disease and other measures considered by the department and/or local health authority as appropriate disease control measures based upon the disease…and any other available information related to the…disease or infection: and (E) Establish and maintain quarantine, isolation or other measures as required.”

“The White House Coronavirus Task Force, Missouri’s governor and the Department of Health and Senior Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization have all stated that everyone needs to wear a mask at all times outside of their home to slow the rapid transmission of COVID-19,” said Jim LeBaron, administrator of the Adair County Health Department. “If everyone would comply, there would be no need for this measure. But since so many people in Adair County simply will not wear one to protect others and themselves, and since our case numbers are far too high, we needed to put a mandate into effect. Our healthcare providers, emergency workers and our schools will not be able to sustain the numbers we’re seeing now,” LeBaron said.

The county-wide mask mandate, which goes into effect at midnight, Nov. 25, requires all people while in Adair County to wear masks in any public accommodation or public indoor space unless they can “absolutely maintain a distance of six feet.” Masks are not required to be worn by someone while alone in an enclosed office space, or by a speaker to a group as long as the speaker can “absolutely guarantee that they will be able to maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet apart from all others during presentation.”

The mandate further states: “Face coverings may be removed in restaurants and bars when individuals are actively eating or drinking, but must be worn at all times otherwise.”

Owners, managers, operators or employees of an area regulated by the mandate may refuse service to anyone who refuses to wear a mask. If that person is not wearing a mask due to a medical condition or hearing loss, they are not required to produce medical documentation certifying any condition.

The mandate also requires masks in all public outdoor spaces and while taking public transportation, taxis or ride-sharing services. Public outdoor spaces include bus stops, sidewalks, parks, playgrounds, farmer’s markets and restaurant/bar patio seating areas, unless a distance of at least six feet can be maintained from all other people.

Face coverings are not required while participating in a sports activity; however, those on the bench and all coaches are required to wear them.

There are some exceptions to who is required to abide by the mandate, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, children younger than five years old and children under the age of six while at daycare or school. No child under the age of two should ever wear a mask due to a risk of suffocation. Also excepted are people with medical or mental health conditions or a disability that prevents them from wearing a mask. This includes people with medical conditions for whom a mask would obstruct their breathing, and anyone unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove a mask without assistance.

Copies of the official mandate are available in the Adair County Clerk’s Office and will be published in upcoming editions of the Kirksville Crier and NEMO Trader. A copy will also be available on the Adair County Health Department website.

For businesses that want to post a notice of the mandate, one is available for printing on the Adair County Health Department website under the “Forms” link at the top right of the homepage. The document is named “Mask Notice.”

 

ADAIR COUNTY REACHES 1,141 COVID-19 CASES

Kirksville, MO 11/23/20 – Eight new cases of COVID-19 confirmed on Sunday and 22 confirmed today by the Adair County Health Department brings the overall case count to 1,141. There are 142 active cases and 999 people have left isolation.

A 71-year-old male and a 55-year-old female, both confirmed yesterday, were admitted to Northeast Regional Medical Center on Nov. 20 and Nov. 21, respectively.

Yesterday, a 57-year-old female who was previously reported as admitted to Northeast Regional Medical Center on Nov. 13 was transferred to Boone Hospital. A 63-year-old female previously reported at University Hospital in Columbia is now requiring use of a ventilator.

Sunday’s cases include females ages 17, 23, 44, 50, 55 and 67, and males ages 44 and 71.

Cases confirmed today include females ages 11, 14, two age 21, 23, 26, 28, 39, two age 59 and one age 62. Males are ages 4, two age 23, 27, 41, 44, 49, 52, 65, 68 and 77.

Among the 30 cases yesterday and today, three are in the higher education sector and two are in the K-12 schools sector. Eight reside at addresses with at least one previously confirmed case.

 

SEVENTEEN NEW COVID-19 CASES CONFIRMED IN ADAIR COUNTY 

Kirksville, MO 11/21/20 – Seventeen new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Adair County today, bringing the total number of cases to 1,111. There are 148 active cases and 963 people who have left isolation.

Today’s cases involve females ages 20, three age 21, three age 22, 32 and 37. Males are five months old, two age 19, and ages 37, 41, 46, 61 and 73.

Nine of today’s cases are in the higher education sector. Five reside at addresses with at least one previously confirmed case.

 

ADAIR COUNTY NEARS 1,100 CASES

Kirksville, MO 11/20/20 – With another 32 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Adair County today, total case count has risen to 1,094. There are 146 active cases and 948 people have left isolation.

Today’s cases involve three 19-year-old females and those ages 21, four age 22, 23, 24, 30, 34, 35, 40, 47, 62, 63, 72 and 91. Males are ages 18, two age 21, 22, two age 32, two age 41, 49, 51 59, 65 and 72.

Eight cases are in the higher education sector and one is employed at an area meat-processing plant. Twelve of the new cases reside at addresses with at least one previously confirmed case.

A 63-year-old female whose case was reported on Nov. 16 was admitted to University Hospital in Columbia today. A 61-year-old male reported on Nov. 12 is now at a Kansas City hospital with an unknown date of admission. Two residents continue to be treated at Northeast Regional Medical Center and one at a Des Moines hospital. None of the five patients have required use of a ventilator.

 

CDC RECOMMENDS NO THANKSGIVING TRAVEL 

Kirksville, MO 11/19/20 – In an effort to slow the increasingly rapid spread of COVID-19 throughout the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today told reporters that people should celebrate Thanksgiving in their own households and avoid travel. The country confirmed more than 1 million new cases of the virus in the last seven days.

The CDC also today clarified the definition of “household” to mean the people you have been living with for the last 14 days. The clarification is especially aimed toward college students returning home for Thanksgiving, reminding them that if “home” isn’t where they have lived during the 14 days, it is not their household.

If people go anywhere for the holiday except where they have resided presently, they should take the precautions of wearing masks, staying six feet or further away from everyone they haven’t spent the previous 14 days with, wash their hands and disinfect surfaces frequently.

Adair County has now reached 1,062 cases. There are 174 active cases and 888 people who have left isolation. The Adair County Health Department has exceeded 2,500 contact tracing calls.

There were 18 new cases confirmed today. Females include two age 20, 22, 31, 33, 65, 77 and 78. Males are ages 19, 20, 21, 26, 34, two age 41, 67, 74 and 95.

One case is in the higher education sector and 10 reside at addresses with at least one other confirmed case.

 

ADAIR COUNTY CONFIRMS 31 NEW CASES TODAY

Kirksville, MO 11/18/20 – The Adair County Health Department confirmed another 31 new cases of COVID-19 today, ramping up the total to 1,044 cases. Today’s numbers include four young children. There are 177 active cases and 867 people who have left isolation.

New cases include females ages 2, 18, 19, three age 20, 22, 27, 38, 40, 41, 55, two age 57, 67, 69, 72 and 79. Males are ages 7 months, 2, 5, 18, two age 19, 21, two age 23, 51, 57, 60 and 62. Six of the cases are in the higher education sector. Ten cases are at addresses with at least one previously confirmed case.

 

CELEBRATING THANKSGIVING SAFELY AS CASES CONTINUE TO RISE

Kirksville, MO 11/17/20 – The Adair County Health Department confirmed 10 new cases of COVID-19 today. They involve females ages 18, 19, 30, 39, 64 and 88, and males ages 30, 37, 80 and 83. Two cases are in the higher education sector and one is an employee at an area meat-processing plant. One case is at an address with previously confirmed cases.

Adair County also suffered its second COVID-related death today. An 88-year-old female was taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center (NRMC) yesterday where she later died.

There are currently 168 active cases and 845 people have left isolation. There are five residents hospitalized at NRMC, ranging in age from 42 to 70. A 53-year-old male admitted on Nov. 13 was released yesterday. One Adair County resident is still at a Des Moines hospital. None of the hospitalized patients have required use of a ventilator.

As cases continue to rise nationwide and statewide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) have issued recommendations regarding safety during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Both recommend that families celebrate only with members of their own households to mitigate risk of transmission. That’s especially important for older adults and people with underlying health conditions that make them most vulnerable to suffering a serious case of COVID-19.

Because community spread of COVID-19 is rising rapidly in Adair County, travel outside the county is discouraged. There also may be travel restrictions for the location you want to travel to. The CDC strongly recommends that everyone get a flu shot, whether you’re traveling or not, and that you consider celebrating virtually with family and friends who don’t live with you.

Also recommended is shopping Black Friday sales online and having items shipped to your home or using contactless pick-up options offered by many retailers.

DHSS and the CDC recommend that this year, families celebrate but do not congregate:

• DO celebrate at home with the people you live with.
• DO connect with loved ones via video chat or phone calls.
• DO visit outdoors in an area where you can practice physical distancing.
• DO cook traditional foods at home to enjoy the familiar tastes and smells of the holiday. Eat dinner together via videoconference.
• DO prepare food or care packages and deliver them to loved ones.
• DON’T attend a large Thanksgiving with people from several households.
• DON’T put high-risk loved ones at risk. People who are older or have underlying health conditions are more likely to become seriously ill from COVID-19.

If you do plan to see friends and family for Thanksgiving, do everything you can to stop the spread in the weeks leading up to the holiday. By limiting your exposure to the virus, you can reduce the chance that you will get sick or unknowingly spread the virus at Thanksgiving.

• Avoid gathering in groups and stay at least six feet away from people you do not live with.
• Wear a face mask that covers your nose and mouth.
• Stay home as much as possible. Limit your outings to only necessary trips.
• Use curbside pickup instead of shopping or eating indoors.
• Wash your hands frequently, with soap, for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Stay home if you or anyone in your home is unwell.

 

ADAIR COUNTY SURPASSES 1,000 COVID-19 CASES

Kirksville, MO 11/15/20 – After confirmation of 10 new cases on Sunday and another 27 cases today, Adair County’s case total reached 1,003. The milestone comes on the heels of the United States marking more than 1 million new cases in just the last week.

On Sunday, the Adair County Health Department confirmed 10 new cases. Those included females ages 43, 51, 63 and 65, and males ages 22, 26, 36, 62, 65 and 67. Four cases were in household with at least one other confirmed case.

Today’s cases involve 20 females ages 9, 11, 18, 19, 24, 33, 38, two age 44, 48, 50, 53, 54, 57, two age 61, 62, 63, 68 and 81. The seven males are ages 39, 53, 58, 61, two age 66 and 67.

Two of today’s cases are in the K-12 schools sector and two are in the higher education sector. Eight of the cases reside at addresses with at least one other previously confirmed case.

At the recent free drive-through testing clinic hosted by the Missouri National Guard and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services on Nov. 9, 352 people were tested. Fifty positive cases were identified, making the positive rate more than 14%. The recommended positivity rate should not exceed 5%.

There are additional free drive-through testing opportunities throughout the state of Missouri, including one Nov. 18 in Hannibal. For a full list of dates, times and locations, visit the DHSS website. Registration information is also on the site.

 

ADAIR COUNTY CONFIRMS ANOTHER 20 NEW CASES TODAY

Kirksville, MO 11/14/20 – The Adair County Health Department confirmed 20 new cases of COVID-19 today, raising the total number of cases to 966.

Today’s cases include females ages 22, 37, 47, 49, 56, 61, 66, 68 and two age 69. Males are ages 18, two age 19, 27, 49 52, 55, 65, 68 and 78.

Three cases are in the higher education sector. Five reside at addresses with at least one other previously confirmed case. The health department has now completed more than 2,400 contact tracing calls.

 

ADAIR COUNTY CASE COUNT REACHES 946

Kirksville, MO 11/13/20 – With 29 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed today, Adair County’s total case count stands at 946. There are 237 active cases and 709 people who have left isolation. There are currently five county residents hospitalized, including one in a Des Moines hospital and four admitted today to Northeast Regional Medical Center. None are requiring use of a ventilator.

Today’s cases include 16 females ages 17, two age 19, three age 21, two age 24, 26, 31, 48, 50, 51, 68, 70 and 71. Thirteen males are among today’s cases, ages 18, 21, 22, two age 24, 33, 35, 48, 52, 53, 59, 61 and 62.

Ten cases reside in households with at least one other case. Five cases are in the higher education sector and one is in the K-12 schools sector.

 

WHITE HOUSE TASK FORCE MAKES RECOMMENDATIONS FOR COMMUNITIES IN COVID-19 RED ZONE 

Kirksville, MO 11/12/20 – This week’s report to governors issued by the White House Coronavirus Task Force included recommendations communities need to take to move from the red zone back to at least the yellow zone. Kirksville and Adair County have been in the red zone in the last two seven-day reports issued by the Task Force.

The Task Force recommendations include:

• Do not gather without a mask with individuals living outside of your household;
• Always wear a mask in public places;
• Stop gatherings beyond immediate household until cases and test positivity are in the yellow zone; and,
• Get your flu shot.

Also this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated it guidance on wearing face coverings. Previously, studies have focused on the protection masks provide to other people by limiting the number of droplets that get into the air when a masked infectious person breathes. Studies now also indicate that masks filter in the other direction, meaning the mask-wearer’s protection from inhaling droplets in significantly reduced as well.  This synergistic effect led to the CDC’s more stringent recommendation that people wear masks when outside their homes and inside their homes if they could infect others in their households. Wearing a mask is recommended any time you cannot maintain at least six feet between you and other people for as little time as 15 minutes cumulatively over a 24-hour period.

The overwhelming plea for people to wear masks in public comes as today’s one-day total in the United States exceeded 150,000 cases. Another 38 new cases were confirmed in Adair County which brings the total to 917 cases.

Today’s cases include 22 females ages 10, two age 16, 19, 20, two age 22, two age 24, 29, 32, 38, 42, 47, 56, 58, 59, 62, 64, 67, 72 and 73. Sixteen males confirmed today are ages 6, two age 15, 19, 22, 24, 29, 31, 34, 48, 50, 55, 59, 66, 67 and 81.

Of the 38 cases, seven are in the K-12 sector, seven in the higher education sector and one is related to an area meat-processing plant. Thirteen cases are at addresses with at least one other confirmed case.

There are currently three Adair County residents at Northeast Regional Medical Center with none requiring ventilators.

COVID CASES CONTINUE RAPID CLIMB IN ADAIR COUNTY

Kirksville, MO 11/11/20 – With 36 more cases of COVID-19 confirmed today by the Adair County Health Department, the total case count rose sharply to 879. There are 229 active cases and 650 people out of isolation. There have been 248 confirmed cases so far in November.

Today’s cases involve 16 females ages 17, two age 18, 25, 26, 36, 40, 43, two age 47, 58, 59, 61, 63, 64 and 72. Twenty males confirmed are ages 7, 13, 28, 20, 21, 23, 26, 28, 30, 44, 47, 48, two age 51, 56, 61, two age 68, 70 and 74.

Nine of today’s cases are in households with at least one other confirmed case. Two cases are in the higher education sector and three are in the K-12 schools sector.

 

COVID-19 CONTINUES RAMPANT SPREAD

CDC UPDATES MASK-WEARING GUIDELINES

Kirksville, MO 11/11/20 – The White House Coronavirus Task Force weekly report issued to governors shows that Missouri continues to be in the red zone for case growth over the seven-day period of Oct. 31 through Nov. 6 and for positivity rate. Missouri fell to the 16^th highest rate nationally in case rate despite increasing case growth by 34%. Missouri record 21,146 cases or 345 per 100,000 population. It is ranked 8^th in the nation for testing positivity rate of 16.9%, a 3.7% increase over the last reported period.

Kirksville and Adair County are listed in the Task Force report’s red zone as well. The seven-day total for Oct. 31 through Nov. 6 was 128 cases in Adair County. From Nov. 1 through Nov. 10, Adair County confirmed 212 cases of COVID-19. Those numbers put the county on pace for 630 cases by the end of the month.

Adair is one of 16 counties included in northeast Missouri’s Region B by the Missouri Health Care Coalition (HCC).  The region also includes Chariton, Clark, Knox, Lewis, Linn, Macon, Marion, Monroe, Putnam, Ralls, Randolph, Schuyler, Scotland, Shelby and Sullivan counties. Totals through Nov. 9 show 6,522 cases in the region, 1,522 active cases and 73 deaths. The following chart from the HCC shows the breakdown of cases and deaths:

Key to slowing the spread of COVID-19 is wearing masks. On Nov. 10, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated it guidance on wearing face coverings. Previously, studies have focused on the protection masks provide to other people by limiting the number of droplets that get into the air when a masked infectious person breathes. Studies now also indicate that masks filter in the other direction, meaning the mask-wearer’s protection from inhaling droplets in significantly reduced as well.  This synergistic effect led to the CDC’s more stringent recommendation that people wear masks when outside their homes and inside their homes if they could infect others in their households. Wearing a mask is recommended any time you can not maintain at least six feet between you and other people for as little time as 15 minutes cumulatively over a 24-hour period.

“The CDC’s updated guidance, based on scientific research, means that wearing a mask is an even greater benefit to people,” said Jim LeBaron, administrator of the Adair County Health Department. “We’ve always asked you to wear a mask to protect other people if you’re potentially infectious. Now, you should wear one to protect yourself from others as well,” he said. “That makes mask-wearing a win-win, so why wouldn’t people do it?”

“For all of you who have been dedicated to wearing masks, this confirms the wisdom of taking that precaution. If more people will take up the practice, we can reduce the rampant spread we’re experiencing right now in Adair County,” LeBaron said.

 

ADAIR COUNTY CONFIRMS 36 NEW CASES TODAY

Kirksville, MO 11/10/20 – The Adair County Health Department confirmed 36 new cases of COVID-19 today which brings the total to 843 cases. There are 193 active cases and 650 people out of isolation.

New cases include 16 females ages 2, 6, 14, 16, 20, 21, 23, 27, 35, 37, 38, 44, 50, 58, 61 and 86. Cases involve 20 males ages 7, 10, 12, 14, two age 19, 20, 22, 23, 25, 32, 37, 47, 55, two age 56, 57, two age 64 and one age 68.

Among today’s cases, one is an area meat-processing plant employee, five are in the higher education sector and nine are the K-12 schools sector. Twelve cases are in households with at least one other positive case.

A previously identified 92-year-old male was admitted to Northeast Regional Medical Center (NRMC) yesterday and has not required use of a ventilator.

 

ADAIR COUNTY BREAKS 800-CASE MARK

Kirksville, MO 11/9/20 – With a one-day total of 39 new cases, Adair County raised its total case count to 807. There are now 167 active cases and 640 people who have left isolation.

New cases include females ages 8, two age 16, 21, 22, 24, 28, 35, 38, 29, two age 44, 46, 49, 51, 55, 56, 57, three age 49, 70 and 78. Males are ages 13, 18, 22, 23, 26, 29, 48, two age 51, 53, 55, 49, 61, 68, 90 and 92.

The new cases include four in the K-12 schools sector and two in the higher education sector. Eighteen of the cases are at addresses with at least one other confirmed case.

Yesterday’s report included a duplicate of a 21-year-old female. The total case count as of Nov. 8 should have been 768 rather than 769.

 

FIVE NEW CASES OF COVID-19 IN ADAIR COUNTY

Kirksville, MO 11/8/20 – Five new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed on Sunday among Adair County residents. The total case count is now 769 with 169 active cases. One case reported yesterday of a 45-year-old male has been determined to be a Schuyler County resident.

New cases involved females ages 21, 50 and 60, and males ages 40 and 74. One case is in the K-12 schools sector and one is in the higher education sector. Two are in households with a previously confirmed case.

There is still time to register for the free drive-through COVID-19 testing clinic coordinated by the Missouri National Guard and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. The testing is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, Nov. 9 at the NEMO Fairgrounds.

Any Missouri resident may participate in the free testing from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday. Register for the drive-through clinic at www.health.mo.gov/communitytest or by calling 877-435-8411.

 

ADAIR COUNTY AT 765 CASES OF COVID-19 

Kirksville, MO 11/7/20 – The Adair County Health Department confirmed 16 new cases of COVID-19 today, bringing the total number of cases to 765. There are 166 active cases and 599 people who have left isolation, Health department staff have completed 2,032 contact tracing calls.

New cases include females ages 14, 17, 18, 38, 41, 52, 59 and 62, and males ages 28, 43, 45, 52, 55, 58, 63 and 81.

Two of the cases are in the K-12 schools sector and one is in the higher education sector. Six cases are in households with a previously confirmed case.

There is still time to register for the free drive-through COVID-19 testing clinic coordinated by the Missouri National Guard and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. The testing is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, Nov. 9 at the NEMO Fairgrounds.

Any Missouri resident may participate in the free testing from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday. Register for the drive-through clinic at www.health.mo.gov/communitytest or by calling 877-435-8411.

 

HEALTH DEPARTMENT URGES RESIDENTS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS TO SLOW THE SPIRALING SPREAD OF COVID-19

Kirksville, MO 11/6/20 – Amid rapidly rising counts of confirmed cases of COVID-19 locally, the Adair County Health Department is urging residents to take precautions to slow the spread of the virus.

“In the first five days of November, 90 residents tested positive for COVID-19,” said Jim LeBaron, administrator of the health department. “That’s an average of 18 a day. At that rate, we could see 540 cases by the end of the month – more than double the number we saw in October.”

“This isn’t a problem just with employees working at area plants or students at our colleges and universities. The age range of those affected in Adair County is from a 1-year-old child to an 89-year-old and unfortunately, a local family has had to endure the COVID-related death of a loved one. We have to take precautions to slow this down,” LeBaron said.

Lori Guffey, communicable disease nurse with the Adair County Health Department, said that for every confirmed positive now, they are identifying an average of 10 to 20 other people who have had close contact with that case. Guffey said that number used to be four or five. The rise is indicative of the more pervasive community spread of COVID-19 in Adair County now versus earlier in the pandemic.

What that means is that if Adair County confirms 540 cases in a 30-day period, there could be between 5,000 and nearly 11,000 other people who have been exposed to the virus. That’s up to 43% of the population of the county.

“We’re also seeing that once one person in a household gets the virus, eventually, nearly everyone in the household gets it, whether they get tested for it or not,” Guffey said. “That’s why is so important that people in a household isolate and quarantine and stay in their homes until everyone is clear. That could be two weeks, it could be a month or more,” Guffey said. “But that’s the only way to keep from spreading the virus to others in our community.”

“The temperatures are dropping, and people are staying inside now more than out,” LeBaron said. “That dramatically increases the risk of transmission of the virus, so it’s more vital than ever that people take precautions, especially wearing a mask and maintaining space between you and other people of at least six feet,” he said.

“No one likes to wear a mask. I get it. But everyone just has to do it or our numbers will keep growing,” LeBaron said. “Research has indicated that wearing a mask is the best defense against both spreading the virus and getting it. And most important is that wearing that mask will help protect people who are most susceptible to the virus. Every single one of us has to protect the people around us,” he said.

In addition to wearing masks and maintaining social distance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) adviseS everyone to:

• Wash your hands frequently using soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol if you don’t have access to soap and water.
• Routinely disinfect commonly used surfaces such as cell phones, door handles, steering wheels, countertops and faucets.
• Avoid touching your eyes and face.
• Avoid crowds, indoors and out.
• If you don’t feel well for any reason, don’t leave your home or expose others.

“As we near the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, people need to seriously rethink the usual large family gatherings and opt instead for limiting them to those in your household or social bubble,” LeBaron said. “Avoid travel. Avoid crowds. If we can get through the holidays, we will be getting closer to having an effective vaccine available,” he said. “Just be patient and follow the recommended precautions until we have other ways to stem the spread of this virus.”

 

28 NEW COVID-19 CASES CONFIRMED – COMMUNITY INVITED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FREE TESTING

Kirksville, MO 11/5/20 – On Monday, November 9, the Missouri National Guard and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services are offering a free drive-through COVID-19 testing clinic at the NEMO Fairgrounds.

Typically, you cannot be tested for COVID-19 unless you’re having symptoms of the virus. Monday’s drive-through is not only free, but you do not have to be symptomatic to get tested. While this is a great opportunity to any Missouri resident, there are some people who should make sure they take advantage of it.

Testing might identify people who are infected but don’t have symptoms, either because they are asymptomatic or because they haven’t yet developed symptoms. Being tested on Monday and self-quarantining until you get your results might keep people unknowingly infected from spreading the virus.

Also, random testing is recommended for people who have an increased risk for severe illness and for those in contact with people who are at an increased risk.

In light of the dramatic spike in cases in Adair County, which indicates the widespread transmission of COVID-19, Monday’s testing event provides an opportunity to identify some positive cases before those people spread the disease.

Any Missouri resident may participate in the free testing from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday. Register for the drive-through clinic at www.health.mo.gov/communitytest or by calling 877-435-8411.

Another 28 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed today in Adair County. That brings the total number of cases to 749. There are 157 active cases and 592 people have left isolation.

New cases include females ages 20, 21, 23, 24, 30, 31, 36, 53, 60, 61, 62 and 67. Male cases include two 7-year-olds, two 24-year-olds, ages 26, 33, 34, 38, 40, 43, 45, two 48-year-olds, two 56-year-olds and a 67-year-old.

Three cases are in the higher education sector and two are in the K-12 schools sector. Seven of today’s cases live in households with another positive case. A previously confirmed 61-year-old female was admitted to Northeast Regional Medical Center on Nov. 3. She has not required a ventilator.

 

ADAIR COUNT HITS 40 NEW CASES TODAY 

Kirksville, MO 11/5/20 – On Wednesday, the United States, the State of Missouri and Adair County all hit a one-day high number of new COVID-19 cases. On the day the country hit 104,004 new cases, Missouri contributed 3,553 and Adair County contributed 21 to that count. Adair County also recorded its first death related to the virus.

Today, Adair County hits another grim milestone with a one-day high 40 cases confirmed, raising the total to 721 cases. There are now 142 active cases with potentially 1,400 to more than 2,800 other people advised to quarantine due to close contact with the active cases.

Today’s cases include females ages 15, 16, two age 17, two age 18, two age 19, 21, three age 22, 28, 29, two age 41, 42, 43, 48, 49, 51, 60, 62 and 74.

Males are ages 18, two age 19, 20, 22, 25, 33, 36, 42, 43, 50, 52, 53, 57, 60 and 78.

Eight cases are in the K-12 schools sector, eight are in the higher education sector, and two are employees of area meat-processing plants. The other 22 cases are unspecified community spread. Sixteen cases are at addresses with another confirmed case.

There appears to be no slowdown and spread of the virus is expected to get worse as people return indoors and gather for holidays without taking recommended precautions. Those precautions include wearing masks, washing hands, disinfecting frequently used surfaces, and maintaining social distance of six feet or more from any not in your household. That includes family members who do not live with you.

 

ADAIR COUNTY RECORDS FIRST COVID-19 DEATH AND CONFIRMS ONE-DAY HIGH OF 21 NEW CASES

Kirksville, MO 11/4/20 – An 84-year-old male is the first COVID-related death in Adair County. The gentleman was admitted to Northeast Regional Medical Center Oct. 28 and died on Nov. 3. Although he reportedly was never intubated for a ventilator, he did receive oxygen via a BiPAP machine to increase oxygen saturation.

A new one-day high of 21 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed today by the Adair County Health Department. These cases come on the heels of yesterday’s report to governors from the White House Coronavirus Task Force which listed Kirksville and Adair County in the red zone for case rate over the previous seven-day period. Missouri ranks 10^th in the nation for case rate, putting it firmly in the red zone.

Adair County’s current active case count is 114, meaning those individuals are in isolation. There are between 10 and 20 other people for every active case who have been advised to quarantine for at least 14 days. That means there could be between 1,100 and 2,200 other people who have been potentially exposed in the community.

Today’s new cases include females ages 13, 16, 17, 22, 27, 29, 36, 37, 42, 57, 59, 61 and 78. Males are ages 16, 19, 22, 33, 35, 54, 70 and 73.

Five cases are in the K-12 schools sector and two are in the higher education sector. Seven cases are in households with one other confirmed case.

 

FREE COVID-19 TESTING IN ADAIR COUNTY

Kirksville, MO 11/4/20 – While cases continue to rise in Adair County, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the Missouri National Guard are returning to the NEMO Fairgrounds from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Monday, Nov. 9, 2020 for another drive-through COVID-19 testing clinic.

Testing is free to any Missouri resident and you do not have to be exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 to be tested. The method is a self-administered simple PCR test in which people insert the swab into their own nose. Results should be available within three to five days.

“One way to reduce the rising positivity rate in Adair County and to get a better handle on the spread of COVID-19 here is by getting more people tested,” said Jim LeBaron, administrator of the Adair County Health Department. “Monday’s free testing is a great opportunity, and the self-administered swab test isn’t as invasive as the traditional swab,” he said.

“Adair County has led a responsive and highly coordinated testing effort throughout the region for months,” LeBaron said. “That’s largely due to efforts led by the Adair County Ambulance District, Complete Family Medicine, Northeast Regional Health Council, Northeast Regional Medical Center and other healthcare providers and health departments in northeast Missouri.”

“As testing has ramped up across the country due to rapidly rising case counts, testing supplies are not as readily available right now. That’s why this free drive-through testing clinic on Monday is such a great opportunity for residents,” he said. “I hope people take advantage of it.”

Missourians should register for Monday’s drive-through clinic at www.health.mo.gov/communitytest or by calling 877-435-8411.

 

ADAIR COUNTY CONFIRMS ANOTHER 13 CASES

Kirksville, MO 11/3/20 – Another 13 cases of COVID-19 confirmed among Adair County residents today raises the total number to 660. There are 109 active cases and 551 people who have left isolation. There are three county residents known to be hospitalized at this time, including an 89-year-old male admitted to the VA Hospital in Columbia on Oct. 16, an 84-year-old male admitted to Northeast Regional Medical Center on Oct. 28, and a 76-year-old female admitted to a Des Moines hospital on Oct. 29. None are reportedly requiring use of a ventilator.

Today’s 13 cases include a 14-year-old female, two 20-year-old females, and other females ages 23, 35, 40, 57 and 61. Males confirmed are ages 38, 48, 50, 56 and 73.

Two cases are in the K-12 schools sector and two are in the higher education sector. Three cases reside at addresses with at least one other previously confirmed case of COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the United States has topped more than nine million cases and is currently adding between 80,000 and 90,000 new cases per day. More than 230,000 people have died.

Missouri currently has the 10^th highest seven-day case rate in the nation with more than 17,000 in the past seven days. More than 3,000 Missourians have died from the virus.

 

OCTOBER CASES REACHED 262 IN ADAIR COUNTY

Kirksville, MO 11/2/20 – Ten new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed on Saturday, Oct. 31, ending the month of October with 262 for that month alone. October accounted for 42% of Adair County’s COVID-19 cases since the end of March. The spike in cases is not anticipated to slow as the county moves inside for the cooler months and gather for year-end holidays without taking precautions.

Six new cases were confirmed yesterday and 10 more today, bringing the total case count to 647. There are 99 active cases and 548 people who have left isolation. The Adair County Health Department has conducted 1,878 contact tracing calls.

Cases confirmed Oct. 31 include females ages 25, 29, two age 46, 54 and 64. Males include two age 26 and ages 30 and 42. Three work for area meat-processing plants and one is in the K-12 schools sector. Four live in households with another confirmed case.

Cases confirmed Nov. 1 include two 22-year-old females and males ages 18, two age 23 and one age 33. One is in the higher education sector and one lives at an address with another confirmed case.

Cases confirmed today include females ages 7, 24, 38, 42 and 60. Males are ages 14, 36, 61 and two age 69. Two are in the K-12 schools sector and two reside at the same address.