Online Update: Jasper County Reports First COVID-19 Death

The Jasper County Health Department this afternoon announced that the first COVID-19 related death in the county has occurred.

Health authorities report the deceased individual was a male in his 70s, and had tested positive for COVID-19 on June 10.

"Our condolences go out to the family members," the JCHD said in a statement. "Everyone is urged to take preventive actions to prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses."

Recommended preventive actions include:

• Avoiding social gatherings of more than ten people.

• Avoiding close contact with infected individuals.

• Avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.

• Cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue, and then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

• Stay home as much as possible, especially if feeling sick or ill.

Older adults and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for serious complications from COVID-19. Anyone who feels they may have been exposed to COVID-19 and then develops a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, should contact their health care provider for medical advice prior to any in-person interaction.

Numbers released by the JCHD on Tuesday state that Jasper County tallies a total of 407 COVID-19 cases, with 211 currently in isolation. There are also 1,137 quarantined individuals and a further 881 being monitored for symptoms of COVID-19.

More information about the Coronavirus and COVID-19 are available from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) website at www.health.mo.gov/coronavirus or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus. A statewide (Missouri) COVID-19 hotline at 877-435-8411 is also operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.