Missouri sets COVID-19 positivity rate record

Rural areas drive increase
Covid 19

(KMOX)-Driven by increases in rural parts of the state, Missouri has recorded its highest COVID-19 positivity rate of the pandemic. The number hit 14.5 percent Friday, more than three times the national rate of 4.7 percent.

New Madrid county led the way with a rate of 49.5. Pemiscot was at 41 percent. Both are in the bootheel.

Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force leader Dr. Alex Garza says the St. Louis region saw 47 new hospital admissions Friday, the most in two weeks. He says the highest proportion of cases are coming from Jefferson and Franklin Counties in Missouri and Monroe County in Illinois

Jefferson County reported 64 new cases Friday. Franklin reports 29 new cases Saturday, including 5 and 7 year old boys.