THURSDAY UPDATES: Four members of Randolph County family test positive for virus
UPDATE, 6:46 P.M.: The Randolph County Health Department said four members of the same family tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday.
The department made a series of Facebook posts on Thursday announcing the cases. The first post said two family members returned from out of state. Hours later, the department announced two other relatives had tested positive for the virus.
The four new cases bring Randolph County's total COVID-19 case count to six. The new cases were not related to two earlier cases reported in Randolph County on March 27.
UPDATE 5:35 P.M.: The Montgomery County Health Department on Thursday reported its third and fourth new cases of COVID-19.
The county is keeping patients' names confidential but says the cases remain under investigation and that authorities will contact people who came in contact with those who tested positive.
The county issued an advisory Monday urging residents to stay at home and non-essential businesses to close, but so far has not issued a stay-at-home order.
State health authorities said Thursday more than 1,800 people have tested positive for COVID-19 statewide.
UPDATE 4:50 P.M.: Three Audrain County school districts have extended their closures as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to worsen.
The Mexico and Van-Far school districts said Thursday that they are extending their closures until May 1. Mexico district leaders said in a letter to families that the decision was made to protect students and staff from COVID-19.
Under the extended closure, school would start May 4.
The Mexico Department of Public Safety reported on Saturday that a Mexico Public Schools employee from Callaway County had worked at Mexico Middle School with possible COVID-19 symptoms for two days before the district closed last month. The employee tested positive for COVID-19 after school closed.
Van-Far posted a message on its school website saying its closure was extended until May 1.
The Community R-6 School District posted on its website on Wednesday that school will be closed through April 17, with a possible return as early as April 20.
Audrain County health authorities have reported no cases of COVID-19 in county residents.
UPDATE 4 P.M.: State health officials are reporting another case of COVID-19 in Callaway County.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services' county-by-county breakdown of COVID-19 cases showed 18 cases in Callaway County. That's an increase of one from what local health authorities had reported.
Neighboring Boone County reports 69 cases of the novel coronavirus and one death. In Cole County, 26 cases have been reported by local health authorities. Twenty of those cases remain active.
UPDATE 2:10 P.M.: The number of COVID-19 cases in Missouri rose by about 250 on Thursday compared to Wednesday.
The state reported 1,834 cases at about 2 p.m., up from 1,581 cases the day before. State health officials say 19 people have died from the coronavirus since the outbreak began, up one from Wednesday's count.
St. Louis County leads the state with 712 cases. The 69 cases in Boone County are good for sixth in the state and up from 66 earlier in the day.
Greene County, home to Springfield, has seen the most deaths at six.
Cole County health officials earlier Thursday had updated their totals to 26 cases, up from 25 on Wednesday.
The statewide number of cases has shot up in the past two weeks. State officials reported about 500 cases one week ago.
UPDATE 12:50 P.M.: Cole County authorities reported another case of COVID-19 on Thursday.
The county health department reported 26 cases on its website, with 20 of those cases active. Six patients have recovered.
County leaders reported no new cases on Wednesday.
More than 1,500 cases have been reported statewide with at least 18 deaths.
UPDATE 12:29 P.M.: Jefferson City and Cole County leaders approved ordinances to stop all door-to-door sales.
Mayor Carrie Tergin signed the emergency proclamation Wednesday that suspended all door-to-door sales licenses. It included that those affected by the suspension will receive a refund.
The Cole County Commission unanimously voted Thursday morning to ban door-to-door sales. The ordinance said no person, business, or organization can sell goods or services without first being invited onto the property.
Both ordinances are in effect until further notice.
UPDATE 11:16 A.M.: The University of Missouri announced Thursday that it spring commencement scheduled for May 15-17 has been postponed.
A tweet from the university said MU will host a virtual celebration for graduation.
The announcement from UM System President Mun Choi said graduates will be invited back to campus for a future graduation ceremony. It's unclear as of Thursday morning when the event will be held.
UPDATE 11:10 A.M.: The Camden County Health Department said as of Wednesday at least 18 people have tested positive for COVID-19.
County health officials said one person had died from coronavirus.
The announcement included six patients have been hospitalized for coronavirus. The news release said 10 people are self-quarantined and two others have recovered.
Camden County Administrator Bee Dampler said Lake Regional Hospital has tested 94 people for COVID-19. Dampler said of those tested, at least 19 tests are pending and 63 have come back negative.
ORIGINAL: Osage Beach Mayor John Olivarri declared a civil state of emergency on Wednesday and the Pulaski County Commission issued a stay-at-home order Thursday.
The Pulaski County Commission signed a stay-at-home order Thursday. A Facebook post from the county health department said the order goes into effect at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 2 and lasts until April 30.
The announcement from Osage Beach follows similar orders in place throughout Mid-Missouri. It said all city offices are closed until further notice.
Olivarri previously ordered on March 18 that several municipal commissions and boards to stop meeting until May 15.
