SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – Another one-day record for coronavirus cases in Greene County. 95 new positive test results came back Tuesday. That sends the total case number of the province to more than 1,700.
The number of new positive tests Tuesday is the highest one-day case since Springfield implemented a mask ordinance nearly four weeks ago. The health department said she was unfortunately not surprised. They are still researching to find trends with the latest cases, but still believe that masking works.
‘It’s never a straight line. We would like to see a straight line where the cases just come from, but that is unfortunately not how it works, ”said Kathryn Wall, with the Springfield-Greene County Health Department.
Wall said that although the counting of the case is up, masking can still limit the spread of the coronavirus.
“We know it’s awkward and uncomfortable, but we know it’s something that works and is effective,” she said.
Wall said, however, masking alone is not enough. Remember to stay six-feet apart, wash your hands often and stay home when you are sick.
‘It’s not the silver bullet, it’s not the one thing that causes COVID. “We would really like to see that happen, but there are other precautionary measures that we all need to take seriously,” she said.
David Hinson of Drury University said masks have been mandatory on campus since the summer, long before Springfield ever carried out a mandate. That will not change when lessons begin later this month.
‘If you’re in a classroom, if you’re in an academic building, masks are required. In the dorms, if you can not have a physical distance of six feet, you have to wear a mask in your dorms, “Hinson said.
There’s one kind of face that Drury does not accept. A recent Duke University study says that the ‘neck climber’ can be less than if you do not wear a mask.
‘The masks are made of stretchy material that breaks the particles into smaller pieces that stay in the air longer. That it actually increases the chance of getting sick, ”he said.
Wall said the single study is not enough for the health department to change its guidelines, but supports Springfield Colleges taking all precautionary measures to prevent coronavirus outbreaks on campus.
“You can feel a lot of confidence knowing that all the people in this mix are there to keep their students as healthy and as safe as possible,” she said.
College students from across the country will be coming to Springfield in the coming weeks, but Wall said the health department has worked closely with each university to create redevelopment plans.
Health officials will hold a virtual briefing on Thursday at 10 a.m. to discuss how coronavirus can occur on area campuses this fall. That will be streamed live on the KY3 Facebook page.
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