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Delta variant drives COVID cases up

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As cases of COVID climb in the area the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has issued a hotspot advisory covering a large area of southern Missouri, including Webster County. The region is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. The Webster County Health Unit reports three additional COVID-19 deaths this week and five additional hospitalizations as it investigates 208 new cases of the virus. 

“The vaccine truly is the best way to slow the spread of this virus. The Delta variant spreads much easier and quicker, so it poses higher risk of hospitalization than prior variants,” said Webster County Health Unit Administrator Scott Allen. “The Delta variant is believed to be contributing to the increase in cases. Vaccination is just our best tool to move past this pandemic and we’re working everyday to equip the community with this tool.”

The most recent Marshfield sewershed sample shows that the delta variant is now the only variant being found in the Marshfield area. The amount of viral markers in the sample has increased 50% from July 4 until July 11. 29% of Webster County residents age 12+ have been fully vaccinated (14 days after the last shot). Experts say at least 70% - 80% of people need immunity to provide the best chance of minimizing spread within a community.

DHSS recommends that those who choose not to get vaccinated should continue these important public health steps:

- Maintain at least six feet distance from others;

- Wear a mask when appropriate;

- Avoid others that appear to be sick;

- Avoid others if you have COVID symptoms;

- Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue; and

- Wash your hands.

The health unit has increased testing availability to patients with or without symptoms, which is free to the public, as demand has increased over the past few weeks. Drive-thru testing is now offered on Monday’s from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the assistance of the health unit’s DHSS partners. They’re also available Tuesday-Thursday from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Registration is not required and anyone may attend. For more information on COVID efforts by the Wester County Health Unit, call (417) 859-2532.

“I highly recommend getting tested if you’re experiencing symptoms or if you’ve potentially been exposed to COVID. Community testing events such as this can provide you helpful information to better protect yourself and your family,” Allen added. “And we’re doing everything we can to get vaccines to those who want them… We will continue to offer vaccine appointments daily and continue to make home visits for county residents unable to get to the health unit.”

For more information on COVID-19, visit MOStopsCovid.com and Health.Mo.Gov/communitytest.

 

 

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