Gilster-Mary Lee worker tests positive for COVID-19; 3rd Jackson County resident, too

An employee at the Gilster Mary-Lee Corp. in Chester has tested positive for COVID-19, the Randolph County Health Department has confirmed.

And just after noon on Saturday, officials from the Jackson County Health Department announced that a third resident in that county has tested positive for COVID-19.

The Gilster employee lives in Perry County, Missouri and will be monitored by the Perry County Missouri Health Department, according to a news release from the Randolph County Health Department. The patient's age, gender and current condition are unknown at present.

Meanwhile, employees who were in close contact with the patient have been asked to remain at home in isolation for a period of 14 days and monitor their symptoms.

The latest Jackson County patient is a male in his late teens, who reportedly doing well and is at home on isolation. The diagnosis was confirmed through laboratory testing. It is believed the individual was exposed through contact with another individual with the disease.

Glister Mary-Lee Corp. will continue to interview employees and monitor temperatures to determine if anyone else is at risk. GLM Corp. is working closely with the Department of Public Health and following all the appropriate next steps to ensure employee and public health.

Individuals who are ill and exhibit similar symptoms will be asked to stay home. If an individual is confirmed positive for the COVID-19 or is a close contact with an individual who is confirmed COVID-19, he or she will be isolated for a period of 14 days unless they require further hospitalization or medical treatment.

Please continue to practice social distancing by using the 6-foot rule, avoid group gatherings, practice good hand hygiene by using soap and water, use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available, avoid nonessential trips and stay home if you are ill - regardless to prevent the spread of germs.