Health Department reports 12 new COVID-19 cases in Joplin

(From the Joplin Health Department)

The Joplin Health Department is reporting 12 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the total cases to 56 within the city of Joplin. 

Ten individuals reside in Joplin within Jasper County and include eight adults and two children. Two adult individuals reside in Joplin within Newton County (Note: these cases will be counted under Joplin on the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services website.)

There is no known recent travel with any of the cases. Eight are community acquired; three of the cases are contacts to a known positive case, and one case is still under investigation. 

With this announcement, the City of Joplin’s Health Department has 20 active cases currently, with 101 individuals under active quarantine. Quarantine refers to the practice of confining individuals who have had close contact with a COVID-19 case to determine whether they develop symptoms of the disease. Quarantine for COVID-19 should last for a period of 14 days

The Joplin Health Department staff works under the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services guidelines in determining any close contacts of this individual who were possibly exposed. 

If exposed, health officials will contact the individuals to provide guidance as well as to establish monitoring them closely for the development of symptoms over a 14-day period.

As Joplin continues to see a rise in cases, Health Department staff encourage everyone to do their part to slow the spread of the virus. This includes these simple measures:

Wash hands often with soap and water. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Practice social distancing by keeping at least six feet away from others.
If you cannot socially distance in a location, it is recommended to wear a mask.
Avoid contact with people who are sick.
Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.

While COVID-19 is spread from person to person, more than 80% of the patients who develop it will only become mildly ill. The concern is for patients with underlying medical conditions and the elderly, who are more likely to need hospital-level supportive care.

Primary symptoms to be aware of include:
100.4 fever or higher - 90% will have fever.
Dry cough - 70% will have a dry cough.
Shortness of breath – for those who become more acutely ill.




Individuals experiencing these symptoms should contact their medical provider before traveling to their office. The public is reminded that a drive-through test site, supported by eTrueNorth and Walmart, is also a possible testing site for persons with these symptoms. Anyone seeking a test should go to www.DoINeedaCOVID19test.com to be screened and, if approved, schedule a time to visit the drive-through testing site. The number for the screening call center is 800-635-8611.

Guidance on considerations for COVID-19, as well as recommendations on other health practices if going out for essential activities can be found at www.joplinmo.org/coronavirus or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at https://www.cdc.gov/ .