Audrain County Leadership Holds Third COVID-19 Meeting

The third weekly meeting of local first responders, elected officials and health care workers in Audrain County held this afternoon over Skype due to social distancing.

Audrain County Health Department CEO Dr. Sandra Hewlett told the group that overnight it has been learned that COVID-19 is airborne and can remain on surfaces for days.

So far in Audrain County the health department has fit tested 1,500 people with N-95 face masks.

It was also mentioned that Audrain County will soon have drive thru testing pods and maybe in the area of Fairgrounds in Mexico.

When that is up and going they hope to test 100 to 200 people per day.

The Highway Patrol or another law enforcement agency would be available to transport the samples.

According to SSM Audrain CEO Donna Jacobs the hospital is encouraging people to call before showing up to the emergency room.

It was also reported that funeral homes are holding private visiting for family members and are limiting large family visitations to 10 visitors at a time.

Most churches are limiting or canceling services. And food establishments have mostly gone to drive thru or delivery only.