I thought we were invincible....

MERCER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT 305 W Main St Princeton MO 64673 660-748-3630 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5/30/20 (Princeton, MO) – The Mercer County Health Department has confirmed the first positive case of COVID-19 in Mercer County. The specimen was tested by a private laboratory out of the county. No other information about the patient will be provided to maintain confidentiality. The Mercer County Health Department is conducting a case investigation to determine identified close contacts of the case. Healthcare and public health are working together to contain the spread of this virus, in a manner to protect the health of the community and the safety of our healthcare providers. They are communicating with local agencies as well as the Department of Health and Seniors to maintain current situational awareness on COVID-19. Some symptoms of COVID-19 include fever of 100.4 F or above, cough and shortness of breath. If you exhibit these symptoms and may have been exposed, please call ahead to your doctor or call the State of Missouri’s COVID-19 hotline at 877-435-8411. You can also contact the Mercer County Health Department to discuss risk assessment, possible testing, and to direct you to take the correct first step. Covid-19 is transmitted through respiratory droplets that are spread person to person when you sneeze or cough, or can live on surfaces. To protect yourself and other from illness: -Stay home when you are sick and avoid close contact with others (at least 6 feet), no matter what the illness -Cover your sneeze and cough to avoid spreading any illness -Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, if soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol -Clean and disinfect surfaces and avoid touching your face, especially after touching an unclean surface -Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth