Rural America Not Protected or Immune from COVID-19
White House coronavirus task force coordinator Dr. Deborah Brix told CNN that unlike in March and April the coronavirus is now more widespread then it was three months ago. Additionally she warned those who live in rural areas, where it seems like the coronavirus was less widespread than urban areas that this isn't the case anymore. She told CNN:
What we are seeing today is different from March and April. It is extraordinarily widespread. It's into the rural as equal urban areas. To everybody who lives in a rural area, you are not immune or protected from this virus. If you're in multi-generational households, and there's an outbreak in your rural area or in your city, you need to really consider wearing a mask at home, assuming that you're positive, if you have individuals in your households with comorbidities.
Like many health care experts Dr. Brix is recommending that the best way to stop the spread of the coronavirus is through physical distancing and wearing a mask.
As of Friday Pettis County has had 378 cases of the coronavirus with 112 cases active and 7 current hospitalizations according to the Pettis County Health Center. The Health Center has been considering mandating masks which has been met with some significant community push back. Weekend numbers will be added later today.
As of Sunday afternoon Johnson County has had 433 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 140 current cases. In their weekly update on Friday Johnson County Emergency Operations reported 36 new cases this past week compared to 62 the week before and 5 new hospitalizations this past week compared to the week before. Johnson County has a face covering ordinance in effect through August 21.