Positive Platte County COVID-19 test results announced

The Platte County Health Department reported the county’s first confirmed cases of COVID-19 this week.

The first was announced Monday, March 23 on the department’s website, stating it was a laboratory confirmed case of coronavirus.

On Tuesday, March 24 another was announced. By Wednesday, March 25 the Health Department said Platte County has “several” positive cases.

Health department officials said they are currently tracing both patients’ contacts.

No further information about the test results or patient details were available by press time.

The Platte County Health Department reiterated the importance of abiding by the “stay at home” order that went into effect Tuesday for all who live and work in Platte County until April 24.

“It is imperative to stay at home unless absolutely necessary and to maintain social distancing (staying six feet away from others),” the health department said in a release. “Remember to wash your hands often, and clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.

“Moreover, if you are sick, isolate yourself at home to prevent the spread of germs and only leave your home to seek medical care. If you experience symptoms such as cough, fever or other respiratory problems, please call your healthcare provider or urgent care clinic to receive guidance and arrange a test if appropriate. Do not go to the emergency room unless you are having trouble breathing and need immediate medical attention.”

Platte County was the 28th county to have at least one positive test, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

Clay County announced its first three positive cases on Monday as well.

At press time, St. Louis County had the most confirmed cases in Missouri with 69. Boone County (Columbia) and Kansas City are next with 17, as of Monday, March 23. DHSS noted the most prevalent age range is 20 to 29 year olds with 46 cases and then 50-59 with 39 cases.

The positive test news came a day after the Platte County Health Department issued a 30-day restriction on private and public gatherings of 10 people through April 24.

In a teleconference with The Citizen on Thursday, March 19, Platte County Health Department director Mary Jo Vernon said a number of surrounding counties have announced positive tests for COVID-19.

The county health department doesn’t have any test to administer for the virus, meaning the results would have to come from a local hospital — Saint Luke’s or North Kansas City — or a private lab.

In the event of a positive test, Vernon said the results of residents with a Kansas City address would be announced by the Kansas City Health Department.

“I feel we do have community spread, we just don’t have the results,” said deputy director Dan Lubbert during the conference call.

Johnson (Kan.) County announced a community spread of the virus last week.

Vernon noted there are a lot of concerns with this new virus and the said many fears are from third party issues, like a family member works with someone who tested positive.

“Education is the key in public health,” Vernon said.

The Platte County ‘stay at home’ order mirrors that of Kansas City, Jackson County, Wyandotte (Kan.) County and Johnson (Kan.) County that was issued earlier on Saturday, March 21.

The order now pushes school closures through at least April 24.

It also places a limit to travel only for essential business. That includes grocery stores, banks, gas stations, media outlets, hardware stores, post offices, restaurants and businesses that ship/deliver groceries among the many items listed.