First Positive Tests For Coronavirus Reported Locally; County Now Up To Three Positives

The Ste. Genevieve County Health Department and Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital reported on Saturday night that two people had tested positive for the coronavirus known as COVID-19.

An additional positive test was announced on Tuesday, and it was expected in connection with the investigation from contacts with the first two cases.
The health department released few other details over the weekend, but director Sandra Bell said on Sunday that all the individuals who had potentially been in contact with the individuals, as provided by the individuals, were contacted by Saturday night.
The surrounding counties had either at least one confirmed or suspected cases a week ago. As of 3 p.m. on Sunday, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services was showing increases for all three of those counties with 17 cases in Jefferson, seven in Perry and four in St. Francois County. Jefferson County has seen the fastest growth in cases.
“It’s going to escalate quickly,” Bell said.
The Ste. Genevieve County Health Department was reporting 17 negative results and 28 pending among the 45 tests conducted as of 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. As of 1:52 p.m. on Tuesday, that total was 37 negative and 24 pending with three positives among 64 tests.
With regard to the two positive tests, Bell said she would release more information at a later date, including how the two people were believed to have come in contact with the virus.
Health department staff members had worked through Saturday evening to alert potential contacts.

See complete coverage in the April 1 edition of the Herald and more updates online.