According to the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services (DHSS), Osage County has reported 424 positive cases of COVID-19, and as a result, Osage County Health Department Administrator Susan Long said she is urging caution during the celebration of Halloween.
“I’ve been debating this question,” said Long. “Personally, I think people going out in small groups would be okay, and everyone should avoid big parties. I would recommend everyone stay close to home, and not go to homes they don’t know.”
While that is not a ban on the celebration, Long said she is encouraging limited exposure at public events such as trunk-or-treats.
“Some churches have shared their plans and its appears that with proper social-distancing, they will be okay, as long as everyone uses common sense,” said Long.
An alternative option, Long said, would be to hide candy around the house for the kids to find, much like Easter.
With cases climbing, Long said she is now classifying the entire county as a hotspot.
“About half those cases are still active, and we’re seeing cases from all age groups,” said Long, noting the youngest individual is 8. “We are seeing more elderly people testing positive, which is worrisome to me.”
The second advisory issued in the county originally was set to expire Oct. 6 but was extended to Oct. 16. Long said she hasn’t been able to formulate a new advisory but plans to have one for commissioners to review later this week.
However, she wonders how effective it will be. “Unless people are willing to actually do something, it may not have an impact,” said Long. “People seem to be thinking they can do whatever they want, and to hell with everyone else. There have been big parties, which led to a lot of positive cases, and people need to be more aware of their actions if we have any hope of stopping the spread.”
Long said the schools are taking a good approach to handling COVID but there are still areas of concern.
“Most of the cases we’re seeing are from extracurricular activities,” she said. “There has been very limited spread in the classroom, and that’s a good thing. I think the schools are doing their best, with plans unique to each of them.”
Another free drive-through COVID-19 test clinic is scheduled in cooperation with the Missouri Army National Guard. It will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, at the Osage County Fairgrounds. Anyone interested should pre-register at the DHSS website.
Updates will be posted at http://www.osagecountyhd.org and the health department’s Facebook page.