Missouri health officials call for Lake of the Ozarks partygoers to self-quarantine after packed pool party

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Missouri health officials have called for people who attended a packed pool party at the Lake of the Ozarks to self-quarantine after videos went viral from the event.

The St Louis County Public Health Department released a travel advisory on Monday following footage over the weekend showing people ignoring social distancing measures when celebrating the holiday.

In videos that circulated news organisations, people were packed into one pool while enjoying the good weather.

“This reckless behaviour endangers countless people and risks setting us back substantially from the progress we have made in slowing the spread of Covid-19,” Dr Sam Page, the county executive, said in a statement. “I encourage everyone to follow the Department of Public Health advisory to determine a safe path forward in the workplace.”

Health officials expressed concerns that St Louis residents were in attendance at the Lake of the Ozarks party, thus putting the city at risk if they brought the virus back.

“Any person who has travelled and engaged in this behaviour should self-quarantine for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result for COVID-19,” the advisory said.

Employers were also asked to screen employees after the holiday weekend to catch potential cases.

The Lake of the Ozarks is about 150 miles away from St Louis and a popular weekend destination for Missouri residents.

Officials with Kansas City‘s Health Department in Missouri also spoke out against the partygoers over Memorial Day weekend. ​

“Anyone who didn’t practice CDC, DHSS, and KCMO Health Department social distancing guidance should self quarantine for 14 days if they have any compassion for others,” Dr Rex Archer, director of the department, wrote on Twitter while sharing a video from the bar.

Sheriff Tony Helms of Camden County, where a majority of the lakeside resorts and businesses are, said in a statement that people violating social distancing measures were not violating any crimes, which gives the office “no authority to enforce actions”.

“We expect residents and visitors alike to exhibit personal responsibility when at the lake,” Mr Helms said. “We also respect the right of citizens to move freely around the lake and take responsibility to protect themselves from any expected dangers related to Covid-19.”

Missouri Governor Mike Parson allowed businesses and attractions to reopen earlier this month, but an order remains in place encouraging residents to practice social distancing measures like remaining six feet apart.