The Camden, Miller and Morgan county health departments are investigating a cluster of COVID-19 cases involving a group of friends and coworkers at several Lake of the Ozarks area businesses between June 7-15.
Camden County has six cases associated with this cluster, Miller County has two and Morgan County has one case associated, according to a news release from the Camden County Health Department.
All those who tested positive have been instructed to isolated at home until they meet Centers for Disease Control criteria for release, health officials said. None are hospitalized. Close contacts have been identified and instructed to quarantine for 14 days from last exposure.
Due to the high number of contacts and businesses involved, health officials said, there is likelihood of more cases developing.
There does not appear to be any link to these cases and Memorial Day activities, officials added.
A significant portion of the increase in COVID-19 cases in the lake area is related to the service industry, the Miller County Health Department noted. They recommended that those who work in restaurants and bars in tourist destinations, which are at a higher risk as they are exposed to many people from all over the country, should monitor themselves closely for symptoms and take their temperature routinely.