Possible COVID-19 Exposure at Drive-Thru Christmas Meal in Clay County

In a release Thursday, Clay County's Health Department reported that workers at the First Christian Church in Flora may have been exposed to the virus while serving meals on Christmas Eve. Due to the large number of individuals that may have been exposed, Clay County Hospital Medical Clinic and the Clay County Health Department have established additional testing hours for those seeking tests.

COVID-19 symptoms typically manifest themselves within 2-14 days of exposure, and people are typically infectious within 48 hours prior to the onset of symptoms. Those that experience symptoms, even mild symptoms, are recommended to get tested for the virus.

Officials in Clay County say those who may have been exposed at the event and are not symptomatic should practice extra caution by wearing a mask and avoiding social gatherings outside their immediate household, to help reduce community spread.

Testing hours in Clay County are as follows:

• January 1: 9 am-noon at Beyond the Bell, drive-thru, no appointment necessary
• January 2: 8 am-noon at CCH Medical Clinic, call 618-662-2131 for an appointment, 9 am-noon at Beyond the Bell, drive-thru, no appointment necessary
• January 3: 9 am-noon at Beyond the Bell, drive-thru, no appointment necessary

Additionally, Clay County's Health Department thanked the church for their cooperation and help in aiding those in need during the pandemic and stated this release was not an accusation of wrongdoing by the church.