Weekly County Collaborative Meeting on COVID-19

Audrain County community leaders meet virtually for weekly COVID-19 intracollaborative meeting this afternoon (Wednesday).

Most agencies on the call reported business as usual, however SSM Audrain reported an increase in drive thru testing numbers.

They are now seeing 20-25 patients daily.

The Mexico Senior Center is in need of volunteers to deliver meals and to help with their curbside meal program.

Golden Living Center Pin Oaks reported that they are working on a plan to resume indoor visits with strict limitations, including no more than 2 visitors over 17 at a time and for only 30 minutes at a time.

Hospice nurses will soon be allowed back in the facility to provide compassion care, not just end-of-life care.

SSM Urgent Care indicated that they have tested several patients for the flu, all of whom tested negative.

There are, however, a number of viruses in the community.

Audrain County Health Department Director Dr. Sandra Hewlitt reported that officials are warning of an uptick in COVID-19 cases during November and December and Audrain County’s cases will likely reflect that.

Dr. Hewlitt also explained that congregate housing cases like the Vandalia women’s prison and nursing homes do not have to be reflected on a county health department report according to state guidelines.

Dr. Hewlitt also iterated that the Health Department is not shutting down school dances and sports, it is each district’s decision to make and that districts submit plans to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for approval.