At this time, 70 percent of positive COVID-19 cases in Cole County can be traced back to travel and/or contact to a known case, but the number of cases from an unknown source is increasing in Cole County, according to the county Health Department.
The Health Department is strongly recommending residents take precautionary measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Precautionary measures include washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, or using hand sanitizer; avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands; cover your mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing; adhere to social distancing of at least 6 feet when around others for more than 15 minutes; and wear a face covering when close contact cannot be avoided.
Individuals who are sick or who have been close to someone who is sick should stay home.
Within a household, the Health Department recommends frequent hand-washing, covering the nose or mouth when coughing or sneezing, not sharing food or drinks, and avoiding unnecessary close contact to stop spread of the virus.
It is recommended that face coverings be worn when in contact with someone outside of your household within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes.
Cloth face coverings offer some degree of protection against large infectious droplets when speaking, sneezing or coughing.
This particularly protects those around the person wearing the face covering and helps people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.
Cloth face coverings are not considered an acceptable substitute for social distancing.
Interactions within 6 feet of a positive case for more than 15 minutes will be considered exposure regardless if either person is wearing a cloth face covering.
Cloth face coverings should be washed after each use. It is important to always remove face coverings correctly and wash your hands after handling or touching a used face covering.
For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, call the Cole County Health Department at 573-636-2181, or call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services at 877-435-8411.