Nine New COVID-19 Cases in Howell County

Howell County Health Department reported throughout the week that nine new cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Howell County. This brings the total number of positively confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county to twenty.

The twelfth case confirmed is a Mountain View area resident. Contact tracing conducted on the case indicates that there is no significant exposure to the community to report.

The thirteenth positive patient identified is a Peace Valley area resident. The case is associated with a childcare facility in West Plains. The owner of the facility is currently working with HCHD in taking the appropriate actions in response to the notification. The investigation into this case is ongoing.  Close contacts to the case are being notified and provided guidance by the Department.  

Three additional Peace Valley residents, and two additional West Plains residents were confirmed positive as well, and these five cases are now in isolation. 

Community exposures from these five cases are limited to the following locations: 

Sunday, May 30: 2:00 p.m to 3:00 p.m. Walmart West Plains

Wednesday, June 3: 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Walmart West Plains

Friday, June 5: 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Cash Saver West Plains

Saturday, June 6: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Chapala Restaurant West Plains

Saturday, June 6: West Plains R-7 graduation ceremony  (All individuals seated in the same area of the positive case have been notified of their exposure)

Later in the week, the Health Department released information on two additional positive patients, another Peace Valley resident, and another West Plains resident who are both isolating at home and presented no opportunity for community exposure. 

These nine cases have been epi-linked to previously identified cases in the county, specifically the Mountain View area.