COVID-19 deaths reported in Callaway, Moniteau counties

A fifth person in Callaway County has died from COVID-19. Health officials confirmed the news Tuesday.

Callaway County also reported an increase of 36 coronavirus cases on Wednesday. Active cases increased a lot, to 237.

Boone County reported 100 new cases Wednesday, the largest single-day increase since Sept. 4. Active cases also increased a lot, to 395. Hospitalizations also went up, from 66 to 72, but remain below capacity.

Mizzou reported seven new positives Wednesday. Active cases dropped to 55.

Cole County had 56 new positives Wednesday. Active cases went up to 246.

Moniteau County reported its sixth COVID-19 death on Tuesday. The person was in his or her 70’s.

More from The Associated Press:

Missouri is outsourcing contact tracing to private companies as part of the effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Tuesday that the state this week approved contracts with nine companies to help track down people who may have been in contact with those who test positive for COVID-19. Missouri joins other states in outsourcing the work, rather than hiring new employees, since it isn’t known how long the pandemic will go on. Indiana, Florida and Kentucky also have hired companies to supply contract tracers.

(This story was last updated at 5:57 p.m. Wednesday.)