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By any measure, Perry County has been lucky in its dealings with the COVID-19 pandemic.
A big part of the reason for that, say Perry County health officials, was the county’s swift response after the first positive case was identified in the county on March 22.
“The health department knew right away when our first cases started to come in that we were up for a challenge,” Forester said. “We were able to work with local leaders to create a plan to prevent a bad situation from turning worse. We continue to work with them and are continuing to monitor the public health of the county.
“Perry County took swift action at the beginning, and we are now able to see how well it worked. At our worst, we were tied with Jackson County, Mo., with the highest ratio of positive cases per capita.”
Through Tuesday afternoon, there have been 43 total cases of COVID-19 in Perry County, with 38 recoveries reported. When compared with numbers from other nearby counties — particularly Randolph County, Ill., just across the Mississippi River, where the local health department reports nearly 200 total cases, including more than 120 active cases, more than 60 recoveries and two deaths — the difference is especially noticeable.
“The Perry County Health Department has seen a steady decrease in the number of new cases, while the number of recovered individuals has increased,” said health department assistant director Liz House. “Additionally, the length of time between days of ‘no new cases’ has also increased.”
Last week, the Perry County Health Department hosted a mass testing event for county residents at the request of the state Department of Health and Senior Services. The health department was provided with 400 tests and were able to administer 338. Of those tested, two returned positive results.
“Before this event, less than 300 Perry County residents had been tested for COVID-19,” House said. “The mass testing event more than doubled the number of individuals in our county being tested within two days. It also allowed for individuals who were concerned about having or being exposed to the virus to be tested regardless of symptoms or the ability to pay.”
Testing also continued at Perry County Memorial Hospital. According to a report issued Wednesday morning, the hospital has administered 290 tests since March 12, to patients ranging in age from toddlers to over 80, including 39 from April 29-May 5. Of those, three returned positive results, including one male and two female patients.
According to PCMH officials, those receiving positive results are not necessarily Perry County residents, since not everyone tested is from the county.
Forester gives a lot of credit for the county’s low rate of infection to the Perry County Commission, which issued a stay-at-home order beginning March 25, two full weeks before Gov. Mike Parson issued a statewide order on April 8.
That order ended on Monday, as most businesses around the state were allowed to reopen as long as they followed certain public health guidelines, including social distancing and sanitizing procedures.
Forester said that as long as businesses and individuals continue to be careful, the situation locally should continue to improve.
“The citizens of Perry County have heeded the stay-at-home orders, as well as local guidance, and these numbers show this,” Forester said. “Most everyone has been responsible with their actions and this trend of fewer positives is definitely indicative of their hard work.”
Along with her praise, Forester also offered some advice for businesses in the coming weeks.
“The Perry County Health Department, along with the Perry County Commission, and Cities of Perryville, Althenburg and Frohna released guidance and recommendations for moving forward, as well as an FAQ regarding the new State Order,” Forester said. “The best thing that citizens and businesses can do are to heed not only the state order, but the guidelines and recommendations set forth.
“We have to remain vigilant. We must not become complacent. We do not want the hard work of the county’s citizens and business to slow the spread of this virus to be for naught.”
Forester said the effects of reopening — whether positive or negative — may not be noticeable for several weeks.
“We know that as businesses and people begin to resume modified services, if guidelines and recommendations are not appropriately followed there is a very good chance for an increase in cases,” Forester said. “We won’t know the full extent of the effects of more individuals going back to work and more businesses being open for a few weeks.”
Looking ahead, Forester speculated about a possible end to the pandemic.
“We know that COVID-19 is not over, and it won’t be until we have an effective vaccine that is widely available,” Forester said. “We have to continue to remain vigilant. Right now, the Health Department is continuing not only to monitor COVID-19 within Perry County, but we are also paying attention to activity in surrounding counties. We are communicating with businesses and entities regarding best practices to help ensure the safety of their staff and clients.”
Even if a vaccine is developed and becomes readily available, Forester said the health department will still face challenges.
“We are also discussing what the fall and winter looks like for us,” Forester said. “The possibility of flu season and a resurgence of COVID-19 is certainly there. Unfortunately, Perry County has low flu vaccination rates. Last year in fact, we saw some area schools have to close due to the flu. It would be very traumatic if we hit peak flu season and saw an increase in COVID-19 cases at the same time.
“It is more important than ever that people be mindful of healthy practices and to protect themselves and others from the flu with the vaccine.”
