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KSMU is dedicated to broadcasting critically important information as our community experiences the COVID-19 pandemic. Below, you'll find our ongoing coverage.

Local Health Officials Announce 20 Confirmed COVID-19 Cases, Highest Daily Count To Date

Michele Skalicky

The director of the Springfield-Greene County Health Department believes the 20 cases in the last 24 hours represent the second wave of illness in the community.

Clay Goddard said the cases were identified early, "and they've been contained in their course of illness early."  He said that's important in stopping the chain of infection. 

Of the 2o cases, six were at Wilson's Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation in Springfield.  Every patient and every staff member were tested after a patient at the facility tested positive.  

Another six cases were from a traveling construction crew.  After a crew member had been exposed to a positive case out of state, all members were tested.  Some test results are still pending, according to Goddard.

Another six, he said, are close contacts of other cases or are travel related.

The health department announced some possible exposures to COVID-19 on Friday.  They include:

  • A patient who visited the Walmart Supercenter, 3520 W. Sunshine in Springfield, on Thursday, May 21, in the afternoon who was symptomatic and not masked
  • A case that went to Price Cutter, 1821 W. Kearney in Springfield, Thursday, May 21, around 5 p.m. That person was infectious and not masked
  • A case that went to Petsway, 1717 W. Kearney in Springfield, Thursday, May 21, around 6 p.m. that was infectious and unmasked.
  • A patient who visited the Walmart Neighborhood Market, 3536 W. Mt. Vernon in Springfield Friday, May 22, around 4 p.m. who was infectious and not wearing a mask
  • A case that went to the Walmart Supercenter, 3515 S. Campbell on Sunday, May 24, at 3 p.m. that was infectious and not masked

Anyone at those locations at those times is considered to be at low risk for contracting COVID-19 but should watch for symptoms.
Goddard stressed that anyone who is sick should stay home, and they should get tested.

The 20 cases are the highest daily count in Greene County since the first case was identified in early March.  

"I would hope that a 20-case day is a wake up call that this hadn't gone anywhere," he said.

Fighting COVID-19, he said, "is going to take a lot of personal responsibility."

Goddard was asked about the recent party at Lake of the Ozarks where those who attended were close together and not wearing masks.  While he said he understand the frustration many people feel because of being cooped up, to take a risk to bring disease back to our community "is selfish in my opinion."

Michele Skalicky has worked at KSMU since the station occupied the old white house at National and Grand. She enjoys working on both the announcing side and in news and has been the recipient of statewide and national awards for news reporting. She likes to tell stories that make a difference. Michele enjoys outdoor activities, including hiking, camping and leisurely kayaking.