First Case of COVID-19 in Johnson County Near Knob Noster

Clarification: We have checked and received confirmation that the coronavirus case of the non military Whiteman Air Force Base employee is the same case that Johnson County Community Health Services announced and is referenced in the story below. 

Johnson County Community Health Services announced the first confirmed case of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, in Johnson County.

The case is located near Knob Noster and the patient is currently in home isolation, following the guidance of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

Johnson County Community Health Services continues to work with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the CDC to identify and contact the people the patient may have come into contact with while they were infectious. Johnson County Community Health Services will then monitor them for fever and respiratory symptoms.

No other information about the patient will be released.

Johnson County Community Health Services reminds the public to do the following to reduce risk and prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer with 60 percent alcohol.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home if you're sick.
• Cover coughs with your elbow or shoulder rather than your hands.
• Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces frequently.
• Practice social distancing, stay six feet away from other people.

Johnson County Community Health Services advises people who believe they have COVID-19, or have been exposed to COVID-19, to call their health care provider to make them aware of the potential exposure and follow their instructions on how to receive care.