LawCo Confirms 36 New COVID-19 Cases, 2nd Death

The Lawrence County Health Department announced Tuesday, July 14, that 36 new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed, and that a second Lawrence County resident has died of the Coronvirus-caused infection.

“We are sorry to announce our second death [from COVID-19] in Lawrence County. Our thoughts are with the family,” the LCHD announced in a statement.

With the additional cases, Lawrence County now has 63 active cases of COVID-19. Of the new cases, 15 are connected to the Lacoba Nursing Center in Monett. All individuals confirmed as being infected with the Coronavirus have been instructed to isolate in their homes, away from others. Close contacts of these individuals have been instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Locations visited by the individuals while they may have been contagious include:

- July 6, mid-morning, Crown Power & Equipment, Monett. The individual was not wearing a mask.

- July 6, evening, Freedom Christian Center, Aurora.

- July 8, 6:30 a.m., Kum & Go, Monett. The individual was not wearing a mask.

- July 9, 6:30 a.m., Kum & Go, Monett. The individual was not wearing a mask.

- July 9, 10-11 a.m., Walmart, Aurora. The individual was not wearing a mask.

- July 9, 12 p.m., Flat Creek, Republic. The individual was not wearing a mask.

- July 9, 6-6:30 p.m., Dollar General, Aurora. The individual was wearing a mask.

- July 10, 6:30 a.m., Kum & Go, Monett. The individual was not wearing a mask.

- July 10, 3 p.m., Walmart, Aurora. The individual was wearing a mask.

- July 10, 6:30-7 p.m., Al Azteca, Mt. Vernon. The individual was not wearing a mask.

- July 10, 7:30 or 8 p.m., Kum & Go, Monett. The individual was wearing a mask.

- July 11, 12-12:15 p.m., Walmart, Aurora. The individual was not wearing a mask.

- July 11, 6:30 p.m., Walmart, Monett. The individual was not wearing a mask.

- July 11, 7:30 or 8 p.m., Kum & Go, Monett. The individual was wearing a mask.

- July 12, 1:45-2 p.m., Dollar General, Monett. The individual was wearing a mask.

- July 12, 2:30 p.m., Walmart, Mt. Vernon. The individual was not wearing a mask.

- July 12, 7:30 or 8 p.m., Kum & Go, Monett. The individual was wearing a mask.

- July 12, 7:30 or 8 a.m., Casey’s, Pierce City. The individual was wearing a mask.

- July 13, 7:30 or 8 a.m., Casey’s, Pierce City. The individual was wearing a mask.

Also visited on unspecified dates were Casey’s at 806 Elliott St. in Aurora at about 6:30 p.m. and Tonto’s Liquor in Pierce City at about 9 p.m. The individual or individuals did not wear a mask at either location.

Lawrence County now has 105 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 40 recovered and 2 individuals deceased from the Coronavirus-caused illness. Symptoms of COVID-19 can begin to appear at any point from 2 days to 2 weeks after exposure to the virus.

The LCHD is informing individuals who may have visited these locations around these and times to watch themselves for symptoms for the next 14 days.

Recommended preventive actions include:

- Wearing a mask in public and/or at work.

- Avoiding large social gatherings where social distancing is difficult to achieve.

- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

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

- Washing hands often, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds -- or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.

- Cover coughs or sneezes in the crook of the arm, or in a tissue, then wash hands.

- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using regular household cleaning sprays or wipes.

- Stay home if feeling sick.

Older adults and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions are at higher risk of the more serious complications from COVID-19. The LCHD said those who do not have a primary doctor, can utilize a CoxHealth virtual visit via https://www.coxhealth.com/services/virtualvisits/ using the code: COVID.