Health Department dealing with COVID-19 misinformation, Baker says

Laclede County Health Department Administrator Charla Baker said she and her employees are not only dealing with the spread of COVID-19, but also false news about the virus on social media. She spoke at a weekly briefing held by Laclede County emergency, law enforcement, city and county officials at the Office of Emergency Management Thursday morning. “We are fighting the rumors and the misinformation. out there,” Baker said. “Our goal is always to put out the most correct, accurate up-to-date information as we possibly can. Rumors and misinformation right now are killing us.” Baker said Laclede County has no reported cases at this time. “Right now your Laclede County Health Department has not received a positive test result from a Laclede County resident,” Baker said. “That’s the most accurate up-to-date information I can give you as I stand here right now.” Baker said Laclede County has tested five people for the virus. Three of those tests came back negative and they are still awaiting the results of the other two tests. She said the Health Department is asking to be notified when tests are submitted by health care providers. “As soon as the specimen is collected, let us know right then, that helps us stay ahead of what’s going on,” she said. On Wednesday, Missouri’s first coronavirus death was reported in the Columbia area.