MU Health Care is now publishing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) testing numbers and hospital data on its website at muhealth.org/coronavirus.

The website includes testing data for all tests completed by MU Health Care in its facilities and drive-thru testing site for patients in our 25-county service area. As of 8 a.m. Friday morning, MU Health Care has conducted 2,774 tests for COVID-19 with 89 positive results since testing began last month. There are four patients inpatients at MU Health Care with a positive COVID-19 diagnosis and six inpatients with test results pending.

The testing and patient data is available on the MU Health Care website alongside comprehensive information about COVID-19 prevention, assessment, testing and MU Health Care’s response. The statistics will be updated daily.

“We believe it’s important to be transparent about the results of these tests and how many patients with a positive diagnosis are currently in our care,” said Jonathan Curtright, chief executive officer at MU Health Care. “Our data indicates the vast majority of patients who test positive for COVID-19 are able to recover at home. By providing this information to the public, we can educate our community and combat fear with facts.”

“While mid-Missouri may not have as many cases as other parts of the country right now, it’s extremely important that we continue to stay home and social distance,” said Jonathan Heidt, MD, MU Health Care emergency physician. “Limiting the spread of the virus gives us the best chance to ensure the number of individuals infected does not grow at an exponential rate.”

For those who are experiencing mild COVID-19 symptoms such as fever or cough, MU Health Care offers a free assessment through its virtual urgent care platform. To access the service, visit muhealthvideovisits.org and select the "COVID19" video visit option. Those with a doctor’s order for testing can use MU Health Care’s safe and convenient drive-thru testing location in the MU softball stadium parking lot.

Patients suffering severe symptoms or breathing problems should call ahead to the emergency department before arriving to ensure health care staff can prepare for the individual’s arrival and limit their exposure to others.