Area counties see some of highest rates of positive COVID tests in state

A public health warning was issued last week by the Gov. Mike Parson.

It establishes three categories for counties, based on their positivity rate and number of cases per 100,000 residents. Counties must meet both criteria before falling into the category.

Stoddard County falls into the most at risk category, Category 1. The remaining area counties are at Category 2, but all have met one of the two criteria set for the highest risk category.

The categories establish guidelines for social distancing, masks and large gatherings based on the category for which each county falls.

Category 1: Extreme Risk

• 7-day positivity rate: 15% or above, and

• 7 day case rate per 100k: 350 or above

Category 2: Critical Risk

• 7-day positivity rate: 10-14% or above, and

• 7 day case rate per 100k: 100-349

Category 3: Serious Risk

• 7-day positivity rate: 5-9% or above, and

• 7 day case rate per 100k: 10-99

The following guidelines are recommended:

Category 1:

• Business occupancy: Occupancy limits reflective of social distancing.

• Social group size: 10 or less.

• Masks: Strongly advised in all offices and businesses where social distancing is not possible.

Category 2:

• Business occupancy: Occupancy limits reflective of social distancing.

• Social group size: 25 or less.

• Masks: Advised in all offices and businesses with 10+ people where social distancing is not possible.

Category 3

• Business occupancy: No limits.

• Social group size: Limited to maintaining 6 feet distance.

• Masks: Advised in all offices and businesses with 10+ people where social distancing is not possible.

Butler County

Category: 2

Positivity rate: 33%

State rank: 21

Cases per 100K: 320.2

Testing turnaround: 2.4 days

Carter County

Category: 2

Positivity rate: 39%

State rank: 9

Cases per 100K: 203.2

Testing turnaround: 1.8 days

Dunklin County

Category: 2

Positivity rate: 39.8%

State rank: 8

Cases per 100K: 230

Testing turnaround: 2.6 days

Reynolds County

Category: 2

Positivity rate: 33.3%

State rank: 19

Cases per 100K: 207.3

Testing turnaround: 2.6 days

Ripley County

Category: 2

Positivity rate: 41.8%

State rank: 6

Cases per 100K: 203.2

Testing turnaround: 2.8 days

Stoddard County

Category: 1

Positivity rate: 48.1%

State rank: 2

Cases per 100K: 379

Testing turnaround: 2.8 days

Wayne County

Category: 2

Positivity rate: 34.1

State rank: 16

Cases per 100K: 225.3

Testing turnaround: 2.5 days