Third person in eastern Jackson County tests positive for COVID-19
A third person in eastern Jackson County has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, according to the county health department.
The patient is a man in his 70s who had not traveled recently, the Jackson County Health Department said in a statement Wednesday night.
The county health department added it is working to identify and reach out to any individuals who were in close contact with the man, who is currently in isolation.
Two other cases were identified in the county earlier this week: a man in his 40s, who had recently traveled internationally, and a woman in her 80s, who tested positive through a private laboratory.
“We encourage those in vulnerable populations, such as older adults and individuals with underlying illnesses, to take extra precautions during this time,” Jackson County Health Department Director Bridgette Shaffer said in a statement. “Practice social distancing, avoid crowds and travel, and stay home as much as possible.”
Statewide, 24 cases of COVID-19 have been reported as of Wednesday, according to Missouri Gov. Mike Parson. Missouri’s first death related to the virus was reported in Boone County, the governor announced earlier in the day. The deceased was a person in their 60s.
Around the world, there are more than 217,000 cases and more than 8,700 have died from the virus, according to figures provided by Johns Hopkins University & Medicine website. More than 84,000 have recovered.
