The number of active COVID 19 cases is currently 135 across the Lake area.

67 cases are reported in Camden, 27 are from Benton, 26 are from Miller and 15 are from Morgan county.

Out of 587 total cases, 443 people have since recovered from the virus.

There remain 9 death since the start of the pandemic.

Camden county continues to be the only lake county not reporting daily numbers.

Their last update was on Monday this week.

School of the Osage is planning on some high school football this year.

School of the Osage Athletic Director Clint Hague tells KRMS News some of those guidelines include having players wearing masks when they’re not on the field.

Temperature checks will also be handled during games and practices.

Players will be bringing their own water, so timeouts during games will be extended.

There’s an urgent call for blood donations as the Coronavirus has disrupted the blood drives across the Lake Area.

Chris Pilgram with the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks tells KRMS news the virus has put them in a position where they have little to no reserves left for area hospitals.

Pilgram is urging everyone to donate whenever they can because they are unsure if they can count on any normal drives throughout the fall.

A few drives are scheduled for the Lake area, including one from 10AM to 1PM Thursday at the Lodge of the Four Seasons and another at City Hall in Osage Beach on August 7^th.

Hear the full interview with KRMS’s Christian Blood Below:

Find local drives for the CBCO in your area here.

Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO), the sole supplier of blood and plasma to patients at more than 40 area healthcare facilities, is making a plea for anyone who is eligible to donate blood to do so. “There are simply not enough donations coming in or mobile blood drives on the schedule to keep pace with the increase of local patient needs,” CBCO Executive Director Anthony Roberts said. “While we have been able to maintain stock levels at our hospitals, our reserves on our shelves are below a comfortable level and we need the help of our generous community donors who always step up in times of need.” Since the COVID-19 shutdown in March, more than 280 blood drives have been cancelled in the CBCO service region, resulting in more than 9,000 potential blood donations being lost. As a result, CBCO is in a critical appeal for all blood types.

 Blood usage for patients in area hospitals has returned to near normal levels, while area donations have not been able to keep pace. Multiple mobile blood drive cancellations are still occurring. The downturn in donation rates means that reserve levels have not been able to recover. And with the uncertainty of school or college blood drives for the fall and spring, the future of the community blood supply will be heavily dependent on first-time donors and community donors giving more frequently.

 “This is a very challenging time for blood centers across the U.S., and Community Blood Center of the Ozarks is no exception,” CBCO Executive Director Anthony Roberts said. “As we try to navigate the way forward, we are asking area blood donors to support the only blood service that supplies all of our area hospitals. In return, we promise to fulfill area needs in a way that meets our mission standards; a healthy blood supply, delivered in a timely manner, with an unwavering emphasis on remaining accountable to the patients we serve.”

 Donors who give at a CBCO donor center or mobile blood drive will receive a five-dollar gift card redeemable through CBCO’s LifePoints Local online store. They will also receive a colorful T-shirt.

 Although many mobile blood drives within the CBCO service region have been canceled or postponed, some community-based drives are still planned in the coming weeks. These drives are critical in helping to keep inventory levels at sufficient levels. To find a listing of those blood drives, log on to www.cbco.org/donate-blood. Appointments are strongly encouraged to maintain social distancing guidelines and improve the donation experience. Masks are required for all donors and staff. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided for you.

 On behalf of local hospital patients, CBCO thanks blood donors from across the region for giving life to your community.

A local CBCO Blood drive is set to take place on July 30th at the Lodge of the Four Seasons from 10AM to 1PM.

Photo Courtesy Of Arrowhead Senior Living

There are no active cases of COVID 19 at the Arrowhead Senior Living Facility.

That according to a release from Administrator Jeff Basler.

Just over a week ago one resident tested positive for COVID 19 after family members visited her through a window in her room, despite rules indicating that no visitors would be allowed.

Basler says the entire facility, including staff, were tested negative this week.

He says they remain vigilant against the virus and continue their cleaning and safety protocols in an effort to keep the virus at bay.

Lake Regional CEO Dane Henry

To Our Community:

As the number of COVID-19 cases in our community continues to climb, we again face a stark truth: This pandemic is not just happening somewhere else – it’s happening here.

Although many are weary of the national coverage and political debate about COVID-19, the fact is there are things you can and should do to protect yourself, your family and others. Here’s why — we are now seeing widespread COVID-19 cases in each of the counties Lake Regional serves, as well as a recent uptick in the number of patients hospitalized with, and dying from, this illness.

As of July 21, we were caring for five confirmed COVID-19 inpatients; tests are currently pending for several others. That’s the greatest number of inpatient COVID-19 cases Lake Regional has treated at once since April. And while it may seem like a small number compared to metropolitan areas in the news, small numbers can have a large impact on a community and health system of this size.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services tracks the seven-day change in statewide cases. That rate increased 3 percent for the period ending July 22; by comparison, Camden County increased 10 percent. And based on our community testing results of 5 to 20 positives daily, we fully expect the pace to accelerate.

Keeping the Lake of the Ozarks safe for families — our own, as well as visitors — throughout the summer is everyone’s job. Taking personal responsibility for following CDC guidelines, including wearing face coverings and practicing social distancing and good health habits, is the best way to proactively manage this illness. That’s why we encourage businesses and municipalities to advocate for face coverings.

Offering safe, convenient testing options continues to be a focus for Lake Regional. We are actively working with local employers to provide employee testing to help businesses operate more safely. During the past two weeks, we have tested more than 1,500 individuals — more than 100 per day — including community members and patients. We appreciate the trust these individuals have placed in us. I’m also proud of our team members who provide this important service.

Since the beginning of this pandemic, our most important goal has been to ensure that our employees and facilities remain safe and ready to care for you. Some of the steps we are taking include screening all employees and patients before they enter a Lake Regional location, and requiring everyone to wear a mask. And although we are unfortunately receiving some pushback from visitors on these measures, we will continue to hold firm. They are nonnegotiable for ensuring the safety of those who work here, as well as those Lake Regional serves.

We believe our experience caring for COVID-19 patients this spring has given us a solid understanding of what will be needed should the number of local cases continue to climb. We know this community is depending on us, and we will remain vigilant to care for you.

To learn more about our safety measures and steps you can take to prevent illness, please visit lakeregional.com/covid19.

Our Commitment Runs Deep,

Dane W. Henry, FACHE
Chief Executive Officer
Lake Regional Health System

The number of active COVID 19 cases across the lake is now at 102.

Camden county has 59 active cases, the highest of the four-county area.

Miller county is the second highest at 19.

Benton has 13 and Morgan has 11.

Overall there have been 311 total positive cases, of which 207 people have recovered, 12 remain hospitalized and there have been 2 deaths.

The number of active COVID 19 cases at the Lake is nearing 100.

Currently there are 96 active cases with 12 people being hospitalized.

Overall, 190 people have since recovered from the virus and there remains only 2 deaths.

Since testing began in March there have been a total of 288 positive cases at the Lake.

A Morgan County R-2 School employee has tested positive for COVID 19.

According to a post to the district managed Facebook Page, all school activities in Versailles have now been canceled until July 27^th.

The district says they were informed on Monday by the county health department, but due to current laws no names will be given.

Instead, those who may have been near that person are now being contacted by the health department and being asked to self-isolate for the next 14-days.

The Camdenton Summer School program is continuing today despite exposure to COVID 19.

According to Superintendent Tim Hadfield, several students and staff members were exposed during classes at Dogwood Elementary earlier this month.

He says they are following the guidelines of the Camden County Health Department and are asking those students and staff to self-isolate and quarantine.

Hadfield also says they have completed sanitizing the classrooms.

The number of active COVID 19 cases across the Lake is currently 52. (Camden, Miller, Morgan, Benton)

So far out of the 210 cases reported since March, 156 people have recovered from the virus and there remains only 2 deaths.

Outside of the Lake, Laclede county continues to report a massive jump in numbers.

Health officials say they have a total of 57 active cases alone and have recorded over 100 new cases in the month of July.

They say some of the individuals attended the Lebanon Graduation ceremony and the Laclede County fair.

Health officials in Pulaski county also added 9 new cases this week, bringing their overall total to 143.

Photo Courtesy Of Arrowhead Senior Living

An investigation is underway after a resident tests positive for COVID 19 at the Arrowhead Senior Living Facility in Osage Beach.

According to a release, the resident is the only confirmed case at this time.

Officials believe the resident was exposed after family members conducted an “unauthorized visit” by entering through a window in the room.

They say members of the family gave the resident a “kiss” and they believe that is now the virus was transmitted.

Officials say they are following all protocols and taking proper precautions.

PRESS RELEASE:

MEDIA STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Arrowhead

The number of active COVID 19 cases is at 57 across the 4-county area of the Lake.

Of those, 6 people remain hospitalized.

In total, there are 204 reported cases and so far, 147 people have recovered from the virus.

Drive through COVID 19 testing will take place today from 5-7PM at the Camdenton Medical and Dental building on Route 5.

You do not need a doctor’s note and the test is free.

The number of COVID 19 cases remains below 50 across the Lake Area.

There are only 46 active cases out of 172 total.

So far 124 people have recovered from the virus and there remains only 2 deaths out of the 4-county area.

Army Troops in Ft. Leonard Wood are getting an update on the local travel restrictions as a result of COVID 19.

Officials say temporary travel as well as pass and leave movements are now restricted for all military personnel to withing 100 miles of the Fort, which includes Lake of the Ozarks.

Those planning to visit off-post barber shops, nail spas and beauty salons can do so by appointment only.

Tanning salons, tattoo parlors, gyms and the Lake Area Cabins continue to remain off limits.

All personal will be required to continue following CDC guidelines both on and off the base, including wearing a mask and maintaining 6 feet of social distancing.

General Order Number One, signed Wednesday, by post commander, Brigadier General James Bonner applies to all service members assigned to, attached to, or performing duties at the MSCoE and Fort Leonard Wood.

It does not apply to family members or Department of Defense civilian employees, unless traveling at government expense.

The change also allows for the consideration of additional Garrison activities to open or to increase occupancy, such as MWR services.

Addi tonally, Taxi and ride-sharing services remain off limits, Family days are still canceled and all graduation ceremonies must remain virtual.

With the number of COVID 19 cases rising across the state, area health departments are having a tough time keeping track of positive case movements.

For the Pulaski County Health Department, it’s been easier thanks to help from Fort Leonard Wood.

Director of Nursing Wanda Laramore.

She tells KY 3 TV many of the more rural departments around the lake don’t have the staff to handle following up with every case that is coming in.

Contract Tracing is how the health department to find where a positive COVID 19 person has been or who they have been near, in order to issue advisories and self-quarantine requests.

If you started making plans to swim this weekend at the Camdenton Aquatic Center, you’ll need to change them again.

Officials say they won’t be opening this Saturday and Sunday due to staffing issues.

The pool closed on Tuesday after a lifeguard tested positive for COVID 19.

They expect to reopen the Aquatic Center by Friday, July 17.