Coronavirus News

The number of active COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases in Barry County climbed in the last week, and the number of quarantines rose 77 percent. According the Barry County Health Department and Barry County Office of Emergency Management, there have been 511 (+58) confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, including one presumptive and three antibody positives. ...

The Verona school district has defined how it will handle any COVID-19 positive cases or quarantines within the district, aiming to keep all health information as private as possible. Tony Simmons, Verona superintendent, said the district will not release any personal information about positive cases, nor will the district announce to the public how many cases the district may or may not have...

The Monett Chamber of Commerce has found that the final third of 2020 has become a much slower period that usual in light of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic disrupting many regularly scheduled events. Jeff Meredith, executive director of the Chamber, usually holds classes for Leadership Monett in the fall, where most participants are employees of major industries. Those plans changed this year...

After a long wait, the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) will now announce classification and district assignments for some fall sports on Monday. The sports of girls tennis, girls golf, fall softball and boys swimming and diving will have their classifications released, while the classifications for cross country, volleyball, boys soccer and football will be released no later than Wednesday...

As much as I try to avoid it, here I go again discussing the topic of the year — COVID-19. Frankly, I’m tired of talking about it, hearing about it, thinking about it, writing about it and any other “-ing” about it that you can come up with. But, no matter how much I want to ignore it, COVID is a daily topic of conversation...

The number of active COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases in Barry County dropped in the last week, but the number of those quarantined as close contacts skyrocketed. According the Barry County Health Department and Barry County Office of Emergency Management, there have been 453 (+38) confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, including one presumptive and three antibody positives. ...

After more than 14 days of in-person schooling in Barry and Lawrence counties, the majority of districts have avoided having even a single school-related case of COVID-19 (coronavirus). As of Thursday, Exeter, Purdy, Wheaton, Verona and Pierce City had not seen any school-related cases. As of Monday, Cassville had four, Monett had seen five and Southwest had one...

Parents pockets will be a little heavier for the rest of this calendar year, as the USDA has extended its free breakfast and lunch program, and area schools are taking advantage. Children 18-and-under may eat breakfast and lunch for free at Monett, Cassville, Southwest, Exeter, Wheaton, Pierce City and possibly Purdy, likely through the end of 2020...

The Barry County Health Department has announced two more COVID-19-related deaths in the county, bringing the total to six. A 79-year-old male patient has died of COVID-related complications, and a 69-year-old man died of what is believed to be COVID-related complications, though the final cause of death has not been received from the State of Missouri...

The number of active COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases and the positive test rate in Barry County both climbed in the last week. According the Barry County Health Department and Barry County Office of Emergency Management, there have been 415 (+43) confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, including one presumptive and three antibody positives. ...

The Barry County Health Department is announcing a person employed at Taco Bell in Monett has tested positive for COVID-19, and an additional case at Angus Branch Restaurant is a presumed positive. Both cases are associated and may be the result of recent travel. Both people are in isolation, and close contacts are being identified, and when appropriate, ordered to quarantine...

A patron of the Purdy School District recently approached the board asking they allow students the option to decide if they wanted to wear masks while on campus or not. Terry Billingsley, who, along with his wife, a microbiologist, researched the effectiveness of cloth masking, reported CDC statistics concerning the effectiveness of cloth masks...

A second student at Monett High School has tested positive for COVID-19 (coronavirus). The student was last at school on Aug. 29, and the case is not related to the first case or a result of community spread at the campus. The student was also masked while on campus...

The number of active COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases fell in the last week, but still remains above 40, and with six hospitalized. According the Barry County Health Department and Barry County Office of Emergency Management, there have been 372 (+36) confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, including one presumptive and three antibody positives. ...

A student at Monett High School has tested positive for COVID-19 (coronavirus), leading to about 30 more students being quarantined, some of whom are athletes. Russ Moreland, Monett superintendent, said the student who tested positive was at school on Friday and was symptomatic. Upon discovery of symptoms, the student was sent home...

Classes began in the Monett, Purdy and Pierce City school districts on Tuesday, introducing students to the new world of precautions in light of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Superintendents reported smooth openings despite the changes and innovations, and a generally universal relief to see school start again...

Each year, the Southwest Research Center, located in Mt. Vernon, opens its doors to the public to share research findings and information related to agriculture and natural resources during its field day. This year, the event is going to look a little bit different...

The number of new COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases is again holding steady, but doing so at a higher rate than when it stabilized for a few weeks in July. According the Barry County Health Department and Barry County Office of Emergency Management, there have been 336 (+39) confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, including one presumptive and three antibody positives. ...

The economic pattern of local shoppers traveling less and shopping locally more has once again surfaced in sales tax to local cities and government entities. Receipts to bi-county recipients jumped up by 25 percent, the fourth consecutive double digit rise, showing the effects of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic have not impacted consumption of products from local stores, unlike the use of gasoline or witnessing live entertainment...

Classes opened Aug. 17 at the Verona school district, bringing a number of changes for returning students. Enrollment numbers appeared comparable to the start of last year, with a shift in concentration to the higher grades. Superintendent Tony Simmons said the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education granted Verona a waiver to start school a week ahead of the new standard because of COVID-19 (coronavirus). ...

Students arriving at Monett High School Tuesday for the first day of classes chatted in the parking lot prior to being directed straight to class, rather than allowed to congregate in the commons, as in the past.

First day of class at Pierce City Central Elementary School saw a flurry of activity as students, eager to see their friends and classmates again, arrived in droves to get back to learning on Tuesday morning.

Barry County officials have announced the extension of Phase II mitigation rules to Sept. 30, due to continued increases in the number of cases in Barry County and southwest Missouri. Roger Brock, administrator of the Barry County Health Department, said 4.8% of Barry County tests are positive, and southwest Missouri has the second highest transmission rate (Re=1.041) in Missouri, and that number is continuing rise...

Returning faculty and staff at the Monett school district heard firsthand about many changes and challenges they would face as classes resume on Tuesday. The updates were delivered during the traditional back-to-school rally held in-person and online from the Monett High School Performing Arts Center on Aug. 12...

The Ozark Festival Orchestra has announced plans for its 2020-2021 season, proposing a different schedule than the OFO has used in the past 20 years. Following a meeting held by Zoom of the OFO board of directors, Music Director Todd Borgmann sent an email to players announcing plans for a full concert season would continue, tentatively, despite the COVID-19 pandemic that has prompted both the St. ...

The Lawrence County Commission is targeting three specific needs in its third round of grants from Lawrence County’s Coronavirus Relief Fund. Applications will be accepted now through Friday, Sept. 4. The application form and details can be found at https://www.lawrencecountymo.org/coronavirus-fund. Questions can be directed to the County Commission at 417-466-3666...

Members of the First Presbyterian Church of Monett recently made a donation to Monett Intermediate School, showering Superintendent Russ Moreland with 2,000 face masks for the upcoming school year.

One of the biggest questions raised by area sports fans has been will spectators be allowed into high school sporting events. With the regular season just a week away, the initial response is, indeed, a yes. Monett football fans will run into a new attendance if the current situation with COVID-19 (coronavirus) holds...

These past five months have been a whirlwind of news, facts, figures, developments, rules and lifestyle changes, all thanks to COVID-19 (coronavirus). Disagreements about virtually every aspect of the virus, from its viability to mask effectiveness and so on, can leave a bad taste in the mouths of family and friends who all just want life to return back to normal...

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, with threats of murder hornets and other plagues on the horizon, Americans also faced a shortage of coins in circulation. While the causes of the lack of coins in circulation appear to vary, local banks report they have no problem today addressing customer requests...

The number of new COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases each week in Barry County was beginning to plateau, but from Aug. 11-18, new cases nearly doubled compared to previous weeks. According the Barry County Health Department and Barry County Office of Emergency Management, there have been 297 (+41) confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, including one presumptive and three antibody positives. ...

It has been nearly six months since Monett High School has hosted anything that resembled competitive sports, thanks to COVID-19 (coronavirus). On Friday, Cubs and Lady Cubs fans will get their first look at not only two of their teams, but the feel of sports being played once again...

The Monett school district released new guidelines for fans wishing to attend its fall sports events, whether in the gym or outside. “Right now, we will not limit the number of fans we allow into our facilities,” said Daryl Bradley, athletic director. “However, that can change at any moment. We are working close with health officials, and we will ultimately do what is in the best interests of our student athletes and their safety.”...

The Monett Booster Club has found itself in an unusual pinch this season seeking volunteers to run its football concession stands. The group routinely has counted on area businesses to staff the events with labor. However, this year is proving to be the exception, as nearly every group that has volunteered in the past has now backed out for this season...

Band camp got underway at Monett High School this week. Unlike past years, with this year’s COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, nothing has proceeded in the usual way, and the start of both the instrumental and vocal music programs in the Monett schools will see changes...

Protestant Christian schools around Monett have announced plans for their school openings. Berean Christian Academy, located east of Monett off Highway 60, has canceled its open house for Monday and will begin classes on Wednesday. Principal Mary Blinzler has been joined this year by Administrator Jason Hutsell. The faculty has 25 full-time and part-time members...

Coronavirus relief funds will be helping Lawrence County schools navigate the precarious waters of the pandemic as they launch the new school year. The Lawrence County Commission was able to fully fund all the grant requests that met qualifications in the second round of Coronavirus Relief Fund grants. Those awards total nearly $1.3 million, the bulk of which will go for schools’ health and safety needs, and technology for distance learning...

The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Board of Directors met virtually on Thursday and took action to approve alternate seasons if a school has a sport or sports that cannot continue in the traditional season. “The traditional seasons are still being offered at this time for those schools able to participate,” said MSHSAA Executive Director Dr. ...

In 10 days, if they have not already, local schools will be thrust into an experiment of epic proportions. Thousands of students in the bi-county area will enter the doors of their places of learning they vacated five months ago, and in more uncertain circumstances since when they left...

Dear Editor: We used to sing with delight, “Have you ever, ever in your long legged life, seen a long-legged sailor and his long-legged wife?” Keeping the tune in mind, teachers and the public are asking about this opening year for schools. Having been in a classroom as a student or teacher, we have never seen anything close to what is going on and the mysteries facing our children this Fall...

The Barry County Health Department is notifying the public of these potential exposures from a COVID-19 positive individual. A recent positive case visited: • Aug. 3, El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant in Cassville from 5-7 p.m. • Aug. 8, Walmart in Cassville from 8-9 a.m...

The Monett school district has notified all its employees and parents/guardians that a staff member tested positive for COVID-19 this week. The individual properly socially distanced while on campus, and therefore, did not meet the definition of close contact with anyone. The person was also asymptomatic and wore a mask while on campus...

Barry County Health Department has announced a person employed at Steak Inn Restaurant in Shell Knob has tested positive for COVID-19. A result of community spread, the individual is in isolation and close contacts are being contacted and, when appropriate, ordered to quarantine...

The Barry County Health Department has released details concerning the county’s fourth death related to COVID-19 (coronavirus). An 86-year-old male patient of a congregate home with multiple underlying health issues has died. Health Department and Emergency Management officials wish to offer their sincerest condolences to the family and friends on their loss...

The number of new COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases each week in Barry County is beginning to plateau, and county officials are hoping for them to begin to fall in coming weeks. According the Barry County Health Department and Barry County Office of Emergency Management, there have been 256 (+24) confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, including one presumptive and three antibody positives. ...

Announcement was made Monday afternoon that the annual Mt. Vernon’s Apple Butter Makin’ Days Committee has voted to cancel this year’s event due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Citing the safety of everyone involved, Chairman Mike Tebow said the annual festival needed to be postponed until next year...

On Tuesday, the Barry County Health Department announced a person employed at Acambaro Mexican Restaurant in Monett has tested positive for COVID-19. A result of community spread, the individual is in isolation and close contacts are being contacted, and when appropriate, ordered to quarantine...

The Barry County Health Department is reporting the third COVID-19 associated death of a Barry County resident. “Our third fatality was a 71-year-old woman with serious underlying health issues,” said Roger Brock, Department administrator. “The person was a resident of a congregate care facility. Health Department and Emergency Management officials wish to offer their sincerest condolences to the family and friends on their loss...

Monett commissioners passed a resolution which encourages all individuals to wear face masks in public where social distancing cannot be maintained, and encourages businesses in Monett to adopt a policy requiring customers and certain employees to wear face masks...

Many facilities, including educational, have undergone numerous procedural changes during the past 4-5 months because of COVID-19. The Monett Campus of Drury University transitioned to online classes beginning March 30, because of the pandemic. Summer classes continued with online courses on June 8, and the campus opened to the public on June 29...

More than 30 people from school districts in Barry and Lawrence counties, including superintendents, administrators and school nurses, met with the administrators of the counties’ health departments Monday for a question and answer session regarding plans to return to school this month amid the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic...

With the ever-evolving changes in the attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), administrators at the Pierce City school district are deliberating the safest methods of providing instruction to local students. Like many other districts, Pierce City is offering both seated and virtual classroom instruction...

The number of COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases in Barry County were consistent in the last week, again gaining 26 (even) from the previous week, and with 24 people recovering. According the Barry County Health Department and Barry County Office of Emergency Management, there have been 232 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, one presumptive and two antibody positives. ...

The Barry County Health Department has reported a second COVID-19 associated death in the county. The second person was a 67-year-old man with underlying health issues. “The Health Department and Emergency Management officials wish to offer their sincerest condolences to the family and friends on their loss,” said Roger Brock, Barry County Health Department administrator...

The Monett school district has released its back-to-school plans for the upcoming year, addressing multiple areas of concern amid the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Russ Moreland, Monett superintendent, said many of the protocols the district is putting into place are temporary and hopefully will be removed upon guidance from local health departments; however, the district depends on information from those in the field of health to help guide it through this reopening process...

The number of COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases in Barry County is now over 200, slowing to being up 26 (-3) from the previous week, and with 43 people recovering (+3). According the Barry County Health Department and Barry County Office of Emergency Management, there have been 206 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, one presumptive and two antibody positives. ...

A 71-year-old Barry County man has died from complications associated with a positive COVID-19 (coronavirus) diagnosis. Barry County Health Department Administrator Roger Brock said the man, who was hospitalized after the positive result, was known to have other underlying health issues. “We are extremely saddened to have learned this person has succumbed to complications related to the COVID-19 infection,” Brock said.”...

The Barry County Health Department has issued a new set of COVID-19 (coronavirus) Phase II Mitigation rules, effective through Aug. 31. Among the rules are requirements for masking among employees of certain businesses, and the health department is encouraging other businesses to implement masking policies...

Lawrence County has announced 15 news cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus), including an Aurora High School football player. The count is now at 132 total cases: 54 active, 76 recovered and 2 deaths. All positive cases have been told to isolate at home from all others and their close contacts have been notified and told to quarantine at home for 14 days and monitor for symptoms...

The number of COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases in Barry County is at 180, up 29 from the previous week, but with 40 people recovering. According the Barry County Health Department and Barry County Office of Emergency Management, there have been 177 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, one presumptive and two antibody positives. As of Tuesday, a total of 53 people were considered active cases in isolation, two of whom are hospitalized, and 247 close contacts are quarantined in their homes...

As COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases in Barry and Lawrence counties near 300 total, some of the hardest hit areas have been nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. As of Tuesday, Barry County had 180 cases, and Lawrence County had 117 for a total of 297. Between both counties, at least 86 of those cases (29 percent) have been in nursing homes or other long term care facilities...

The Monett school district is aggregating data from a parent and staff survey in an ongoing effort to formulate its plans for returning to school in August while COVID-19 (coronavirus) is still a concern. Russ Moreland, Monett superintendent, said the district has a rough draft of its plans for reentry, but the situation is fluid, and surveys submitted to patrons of the district are an important piece of the reentry puzzle...

Organizers of First on Front, the popular summer concert series sponsored by First State Bank of Purdy in Monett, are hoping to be able to host a 2021 season. “It rained every night of our event in 2019,” said Amanda Lee, one of the event organizers. “Then, COVID-19 wiped out our 2020 season. But, we are hoping to be able to return in 2021, once it is safe for everyone to gather again.”...

With COVID-19 positive cases on the rise in the bi-county area, school administrators are wrangling how to safely resume classes in August. The Monett School District has developed a re-entry plan based on recommendations from both Barry and Lawrence County Health Departments, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), and other medical resources...

The million dollar high school sports question on everyone’s mind has been, will the schools play sports this fall due to COVID-19 (coronavirus)? The answer, as of today, is a tentative “yes.” The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) issued an eight-page guidance this week for high schools to follow in an attempt to play sports in a socially responsible manner to combat the spread of coronavirus...

The Lawrence County Health Department has announced 12 new cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus), bringing the county’s total to 117: 70 active, 45 recovered, and 2 deaths. All positive cases have been told to isolate at home from others and their close contacts told to quarantine for 14 days...

The Barry County Health Department is notifying the public of several potential exposures from a COVID-19 positive individual. A recent positive case visited: • July 10, Adelita’s in Cassville, 7-7:30 p.m. • July 11, Walmart in Monett, 1-2 p.m. • July 11 Dollar General on E. Broadway in Monett, 4:30-5 p.m...

The Barry County Health Department has announced a person employed at MO Wings in Monett has tested positive for COVID-19. The case is a result of community spread, and the individual is in isolation. Close contacts are being identified and, as appropriate, ordered to quarantine. Cases and close contacts are monitored each day by the Barry County Health Department...

The COOs of Walmart and Sam’s Club announced Wednesday that starting Monday, all shoppers at the stores will be required to wear face coverings. According to a press release from Dacona Smith, Walmart U.S. COO, and Lance de la Rosa, Sam’s Club COO, about 65 percent of the more than 5,000 stores and clubs are located in areas where there is some form of government mandate on face coverings...

The number of COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases in Barry County rose 50 percent in the past week, jumping from 101 on July 9 to 151 today. According the Barry County Health Department and Barry County Office of Emergency Management, there have been 148 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, one presumptive and two antibody positives. As of Wednesday, a total of 64 people were considered active cases in isolation, one of whom is hospitalized, and 221 close contacts are quarantined in their homes...

A second death due to COVID-19 has been announced in Lawrence County, and officials announced the county has risen to more than 100 cases of the virus. Lawrence County has 105 total cases: 63 active, 40 recovered and 2 deaths. “Our thoughts are with the family [of the second person who died],” said Janella Spencer, administrator of the Lawrence County Health Department...

Due to recent exposure, the Lawrence County Health Department has recommended closure of the Mt. Vernon License Office until July 24. The office will be closed until that time. The Greenfield and Aurora License Office’s remain open at this time. Those having business at the Lawrence County Judicial Center in Mt. ...

The Lawrence County Health Department is announcing 15 new cases, pushing the county’s total to 69 total cases: 30 active, 38 recovered and 1 death. Eight are linked to the Freedom Christian Church/Ministry, four are linked to other positive family members, one is a work exposure at EFCO, one is determined to be community exposure and one is still under investigation...

The Barry County Health Department has reported 14 new cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus), pushing the county’s total to 101 cases. Of the 101, 54 cases are considered active and are in isolation, and three people remain hospitalized with COVID-19 related complications. There are more than 75 close contacts quarantined, and 47 people have recovered from the virus...

The Barry County Health Department is reporting that two persons, one adult and one child, at the God’s Little Kingdom Preschool in Cassville have tested positive for COVID-19. The cases are a result of community spread. Both persons are under an isolation order and are recovering at home, all close contacts will be under quarantine. Barry County Health Department officials will monitor all of the effected persons daily...

Specific results have been announced for the free drive-through community testing events from June 26-30 in the counties of McDonald, Jasper, Newton and Barry. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and the Missouri National Guard partnered with local public health agencies to offer the events, which open to any Missouri resident — county residency was not required.

Lawrence County has announced five new cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus) including one person who was infectious at the Freedom Christian Center Revival July 5-7 in Aurora. “If you attended the revival during any or all of these dates, we highly encourage you to please quarantine at home for 14 days from the last day you attended the revival and monitor for symptoms of COVID-19,” said Janella Spencer, Lawrence County Health Department administrator. ...

The number of COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases in Barry County continued its climb this week, as the county reported it is up to 87 total cases as of Tuesday afternoon, including three people hospitalized. According to a joint situation report from the Barry County Health Department and Barry County Office of Emergency Management, there have been 84 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, one presumptive and two antibody positives. ...

The Lawrence County Health Department has announced one new case of COVID-19, also listing where the individual traveled July 1-3. The new case was a close contact of a positive family member from another county and has been isolating at home since July 4. The county now has 48 total cases: 16 active, 31 recovered and one death...

The Lawrence County Health Department is announcing four new cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus), bringing the county’s total up to 47 total cases: 17 active, 29 recovered and one death). Two new cases are linked to another family member in the home who is already positive, and the other two are considered community exposure with no other link...

A second area church has suspended services due to positive cases of COVID-19 within their congregations. Jason Mackey, pastor at Arnhart Baptist Church in Purdy, released a statement on Facebook Thursday saying two members of the Arnhart Family tested positive this week...

The Barry County Health Department has announced that a person employed at Cricket Wireless in Monett has tested positive for COVID-19. The case is a result of community spread, and the individual has been ordered to remain in isolation. Close contacts are being notified and, as appropriate, ordered to quarantine...

The Lawrence County Health Department is announcing 3 new cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus). All cases are isolating at home and their household members are under quarantine. Direct contacts with other positive cases could not be determined with two of the cases, so community exposure is likely...

With the rising number of positive COVID-19 (coronavirus) tests in the bi-county area, the organizers of several summer venues have cancelled or postponed their events. The Monett and Pierce City school districts have announced the cancellation of summer school. Classes for both are set to resume in August...

The Lawrence County Health Department is announcing three new cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus). One case has been isolating at home already for some time, and the exposure link could not be determined. The two other cases are from the same household, and the exposure link is still under investigation...

Dr. Robin Trotman is addressing COVID-19 myths and information regarding the virus...

Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases in both Barry and Lawrence counties and surrounding areas, and in order to better protect our staff and patrons, the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library System is requiring that all patrons that enter facilities wear a mask...

The Lawrence County Health Department has announced 2 new cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus). The first case is travel-related, and upon arriving home, the individual immediately self-isolated. The second case is a work-related exposure and is also in isolation. Neither posed a risk to the general public...

  Misinformation and confusion are circulating in local communities, along with COVID-19 (coronavirus). On Wednesday, Dr. Robin Trotman, medical director of Infection Prevention at CoxHealth, will debunk myths and dispel rumors about coronavirus and COVID-19 during a Facebook Live event...

The Barry County Health Department has announced 17 new cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus), bringing the total to 53 residents with the virus. Roger Brock, administrator of the Barry County Health Department, said the number of COVID cases in Barry County is continuing to rise daily...

The Lawrence County Health Department has reported the first death of a Lawrence County resident due to COVID-19. The resident was a 52-year-old with an underlying health condition. “We are truly sorry and extend our deepest condolences the family and loved ones of this individual,” said Janella Spencer, administrator of the Lawrence County Health Department...

A press release from the city of Monett says Mayor Mike Brownsberger and Commissioners Al Dohmen and Jerry Dierker are strongly endorsing masking protocols and asking area residents to do the same. “Monett and Barry and Lawrence counties are experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases,” the release said. “We, as a community, need to remain vigilant in protecting ourselves from the virus until a vaccine is developed and widespread immunizations are possible...

The Lawrence County Health Department is announcing 4 new cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus), bringing the county’s total to 31 cases (eight recovered and 23 active). One of the new cases is an employee at Play Power in Monett. The Lawrence County Health Department has been working closely with Play Power to determine which employees were most at risk from working near this individual. All of those employees have been told to self-quarantine at home for 14 days from last exposure...

The Barry County Health Department is reporting that one individual who is an employee at the George’s Processing Plant in Butterfield has tested positive for COVID-19. The person is not a Barry County resident. The case is believed to be the result of community spread in a neighboring county. ...

The Lawrence County Health Department is announcing nine new cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus), bringing the county total to 27 cases (seven recovered and 20 active). Positive cases have been told to self-isolate at home. Close contacts have been or are in the process of being notified, and the Health Department will continue to monitor these individuals and provide instruction...

The Barry County Health Department is reporting that two employees of Bentonview Park Health and Rehabilitation in Monett have tested positive for COVID-19 (coronavirus). The cases are a result of community spread. The individuals are under an isolation order and are recovering at home after last working on June 19 and 20...

The Barry County Health Department and its Board of Trustees have issued new rules effective June 26 through July 15 to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in the county. As of Tuesday afternoon, cases in the county had tripled in the past 10 days. With 36 total cases, 8 people were in isolation, 28 had recovered and 27 people were quarantined as close contacts with a positive case...

The Barry County Health Department is reporting that two persons employed at Lai Lai Asian Buffet and Dining in Monett have tested positive for COVID-19. Both cases are a result of community spread, and the individuals are under an isolation order. Close contacts are being contacted and, as appropriate, ordered to quarantine. All of those identified cases will be monitored daily by the Barry County Health Department...

The Barry County Health Department is reporting three new cases of COVID-19, bringing the county’s total number of cases to 36. All three cases are the result of community spread. One of the new cases had been in quarantine due to being a close contact of a previous positive case. The other two cases are unrelated to earlier cases. All three persons are now under an isolation order and will be monitored daily...

The Lawrence County Health Department is reporting eight new cases of COVID-19, bringing the county’s total to 18 cases — seven resolved and 11 active. Three cases were acquired from workplaces with current outbreaks; four are still under investigation to determine the origin; and one is a family member of a positive case. The Lawrence County Health Department is working diligently to notify all close contacts...