bransonglobe.com LOCAL MoDOT operations limited for holiday JEFFERSON CITY - The Missouri Department of Transportation will suspend road construction and routine maintenance operations starting at noon on Thursday, July 2 through 10 p.m. on Sunday, July 5 to accommodate increased traffic on the highways. Lane and bridge closures already in place around the state will remain during the holiday weekend. Drivers are urged to be alert to sudden closures due to emergency situations. With relaxed restrictions following the lifting of statewide COVID-19 health orders on June 16—and with the July 4th holiday coming on a Saturday— traffic is expected to be heavy on Missouri’s roads all weekend. MoDOT is reminding motorists to be attentive, courteous and responsible. “We’re seeing a disturbing increase in aggressive driving,” said Natalie Roark, state maintenance director. “Please, for your own safety and the safety of others, slow down, don’t drive impaired or distracted and look out for each another.” There were 15 people killed and 58 seriously injured in traffic crashes in Missouri during the 2019 Fourth of July holiday. Of the 73 people killed or injured, 18 were involved in a crash where there was at least one substance-impaired driver. “Road conditions can change in an instant,” Roark said. “Always be alert when driving, and remember, Buckle Up Phone Down.” Motorists can find everything they need to plan for summer travel at MO on the GO, MoDOT’s suite of mobile information tools that shares the latest news on work zones, road conditions and traffic incidents. You can access it online at modot.org/ mo-go. Submitted to Branson Globe The Taney County Health Department reports 67 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Taney County. There have been 2 deaths, 25 recovered, and 40 active cases. Today’s update will consist of frequently asked questions received by the department. Here are a few: I was at one of the places listed where a positive case had been. What should I do? The health department asks those that may have been at any of the locations listed in the press release to watch for symptoms. If you are following socially distancing guidelines, and wearing a mask your chances of getting COVID-19 are greatly reduced. If symptoms do develop, contact your healthcare provider. Why are you only putting the itinerary for one case in your press releases? Press releases are now being written to reflect the cases for which we have itineraries. Keep in mind that not all cases will have an itinerary, if the case investigation indicates that they were not out in the community while infectious. How many of the people who have COVID-19 in Taney County have been hospitalized? The health department does not track this information, our focus is to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. People who have tested positive can be extremely sick even if they are not hospitalized. The point of preventing COVID-19 is to protect the healthcare system from a surge in patients. July 3 - 4, 2020 • 15 COVID-19 reporting questions and answers from TCHD For more information contact the Taney County Health Department at 417-334-4544, visit our website at www.taneycohealth. org, or like our FaceBook, Instagram and Pinterest pages. How can we live safely with this virus? We know this virus is not going away anytime soon, but there are steps that can be taken to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 cases. Practicing socially distancing, wearing a face mask or covering, washing your hands, and staying home if you are sick are the best ways to help reduce the spread.
16 Publizr Home