The News Tribune is offering this article free to all readers because it includes information important to the health and safety of our community.
Miller County reported two deaths related to COVID-19 Wednesday.
The Miller County Health Center confirmed the deaths of two residents diagnosed with COVID-19 in a news release, noting no further information about the individuals would be released.
The county has reported a total of 397 positive cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began, with 64 cases remaining active.
The deaths reported Wednesday were Miller County's fourth and fifth due to COVID-19.
The Miller County Health Center noted it strongly encourages use of masks when social distancing is not possible as a preventive measure to minimize the spread of communicable diseases. Other preventive measures include social distancing, proper hand-washing, no touching of the face, cleaning frequently used surfaces, avoiding sick people and staying home when sick.
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 CDC.
For more information about COVID-19, visit the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services website at health.mo.gov/coronavirus or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov/coronavirus.
The statewide COVID-19 hotline continues to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 877-435-8411.