The McDonald County Health Department reported 45 new cases of covid-19 this week, the second-highest weekly increase in the past ten weeks.
As of publication, the total number of positive cases is 1,267. A total of 1,166 individuals have been released from isolation, leaving 101 still isolated, and four individuals currently hospitalized.
The health department also released data that indicates McDonald County has the highest positivity rate of the 115 counties in the state, with 20% of tests reading positively.
On Monday, Oct. 19, the McDonald County School District announced that eight students and four staff members are currently positive for covid-19, resulting in 157 students and 11 staff members being isolated.
No data was released regarding the school(s) of the isolated students or staff.
Due to a limited supply of antibody test kits, the health department is reserving tests for people who meet certain criteria. For more information, call 417-223-4351, ext. 0.
Testing is available at Ozarks Community Hospital clinics, Freeman Health System and Access Family Care in Anderson, and at the McDonald County Health Department. Each facility has different times and days for availability, so those wishing to be tested are asked to call ahead and schedule an appointment.
• Pineville Ozarks Community Hospital: 417-223-4290, by appointment.
• Noel Ozarks Community Hospital: 417-475-6151, by appointment.
• McDonald County Health Department: 417-223-4351, by appointment, for the uninsured.
• Access Family Care: 417-845-8300, every Wednesday from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m., by appointment.
• Freeman Clinic of Anderson: 417-845-0545, must be symptomatic, by appointment.