“Due to the rapid increase in cases, our capacity to investigate cases in a timely manner is no longer possible,” the Franklin County Health Department (FCHD) wrote in their daily update Tuesday, Sept. 15.

Anyone who receives a positive test result should immediately begin using the protocols listed in the chart above. DO NOT wait for a phone call from the FCHD.

Presiding Commissioner Tim Brinker is in charge of the county’s COVID-19 response. When asked if the FCHD was overwhelmed with new cases, he did not feel that was the case.

“The bucket is full,” he said instead.

Brinker said the county has hired 10 employees since March. Their job is predominantly to trace contacts of those who test positive for the virus.

At least 10 more temporary employees are needed, but Brinker reports, “It’s tough getting people.” The job requires a GED or high school diploma, and passing background checks and drug tests. The contact tracers are paid $16 an hour. Online applications are available at franklinmo.org, then click on the employment tab on the left side of the home page.

Brinker reiterated that all data presented in the daily reports come directly from the Department of Health and Senior Services. When asked about discrepancies in the numbers, Brinker replied that he mostly is concerned with the total case number, hospitalizations and the 5 day case average.

In the last seven days, the five day case average has gone from 22.2 percent on Sept. 8 to 34 percent on Sept. 14.

The FCHD also warns, “If you have been within six feet of a confirmed COVID-19 case for at least 15 minutes, please self-quarantine at home away from others for 14 days after the last contact with the case and monitor for symptoms of COVID-19. If you are being tested for COVID-19, please be aware a negative test does not remove a close contact from quarantine.”

They also urge every business to prepare a pandemic plan using CDC guidelines.

“Every interaction with persons outside your household should be treated as a risk for transmission. Social distancing is an important tool to decrease the spread of the virus and to keep you off of the close contact list and out of quarantine. Always keep six feet of distance from others, wear a mask when unable to distance and stay home if showing symptoms of COVID-19., FCHD concludes.