The Warren County Health Department reported a significant decline in local COVID-19 cases in October, with less than one-fourth of the cases that were reported in September (195 compared to 829).
Those numbers give health officials some hope that case numbers will continue downward after the surge in illnesses and related deaths fueled by the COVID delta variant in the late summer. However, Warren County Health Director Stacey White advocates for area residents to continue seeking vaccinations to protect the community against the virus.
“We are holding at only 39.6% fully vaccinated. That number needs to increase for us to see better protection in our community for those who are not able to get vaccinated and those who continue to be high risk,” White said. “(Currently) 34-36% of the cases are kids. ... 98.4% of positive cases are unvaccinated.”
Despite the decline in overall cases, nine more COVID-related deaths were confirmed in October and late September, bringing the number of COVID deaths in Warren County to 50, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
White said the percentage of COVID tests returning positive results is still a little higher than health officials prefer, and that vaccinations continue to be available at the Warren County Health Department and at local pharmacies. The health department offers walk-in Moderna vaccinations for adults on Tuesdays, and appointment-only Pfizer vaccinations for adolescents 12-17 years old.
Booster shots of Moderna vaccines are available by appointment for eligible patients, White said.
She added that people should also start thinking about getting their annual flu shots. The health department currently offers walk-in flu shots for adults Monday through Friday, and shots for children by appointment only.
People can even get their COVID shot and their flu shot at the same appointment, White said.
To schedule an appointment for vaccination or ask questions, call the Warren County Health Department at 636-456-7474.
