Howell CouHowell County COVID-19 Task Force Launching Campaign Aimed at Eradicating Virus in Countynty COVID-19 Task Force Launching Campaign Aimed at Eradicating Virus in County

A “Stop the Spread” campaign encouraging residents to take the necessary masking, social distancing, and hand washing precautions is now underway by the Howell County COVID-19 Task Force to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the area.

As part of the campaign, yard signs and promotional advertising will be utilized to bring awareness to the campaign, which is being done by the Task Force in cooperation with Howell County Emergency Management.

Stop the Spread focuses on the recommendations from the Center for Disease Control to speed up the virus’ eradication, which includes the use of face coverings in public, social distancing up to six feet, regular hand washings up to 20 seconds, and staying home when sick.

The Task Force was formed in May, 2020, and consists of both government and non-governmental agencies from Howell County. Among the participants include the City of West Plains, the City of Willow Springs, the City of Mountain View, Ozarks Healthcare, Ozark Action, Missouri State University-West Plains, West Plains R-7, and local churches.

Missouri’s State of Emergency order regarding the COVID-19 pandemic has been extended to March 31, 2021. The Task Force hopes area residents take the necessary precautions to stop the spread to ensure the emergency order does not have to be renewed locally or at the state level.