Missouri coronavirus cases nearly double, from 28 to 47

(AP) The number of COVID-19 cases in Missouri has nearly doubled, going from 28 to to 47 as officials throughout the state seek to get ahead of the coronavirus crisis. One of the new cases is raising concerns because it appears to involve community spread. The jump in cases was largely attributable to private lab test results being reported to the state. But one new concerning case in south-central Missouri’s Pulaski County “does not appear to be travel related,” the county health department said in a statement on Facebook. The patient is now in isolation.

State health officials said Friday that St. Louis County and Kansas City have the most cases, with seven each, while Greene County has six. Pulaski, Scott and St. Charles counties all reported their first cases. Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters-Baker said Thursday that her office was making several changes to keep low-risk offenders out of jail to lower the risk of spreading the disease. And Branson officials banned all gatherings of 10 or more. All Missouri schools are closed despite no statewide order. Some public health officials are urging Gov. Mike Parson to require people to stay home.