12/3/2021 Weekly COVID-19 Update

WEEKLY COVID-19 UPDATE 12/3/2021

Lincoln County, Missouri is adding about 51 cases per day. 2 weeks ago, that number was about 31 cases per day. We have started seeing another increase in cases.

The 7-day PCR positivity rate is 18.8%, at this time 2 weeks it was about 9.7%. We are seeing the positivity rate increase of the past couple of weeks. Today is the highest it has been since we started reporting it on our dashboard in July. Cases per 100,000 in Lincoln County are at 332, up from 229 last week.

In order to move to the next lowest transmission category, this number need to be less than 100.  

Our number of active cases (individuals who are in isolation for COVID-19 infection) is at 314. 2 weeks ago this number was at 155.

The rate of Lincoln County residents who have completed their COVID-19 vaccination series is 38.4%.

The CDC recently updated its guidance for boosters, now recommending that anyone over the age of 18 should receive a booster 6 months after their primary series. You can make an appointment here.

The newly identified Omicron variant has been identified in St. Louis City, Missouri. There is still much information to be learned about this new variant.

What we know:

- The Omicron variant has mutated several times in ways that are causing concern for public health experts

- Omicron has been identified in several countries and states within the U.S.

What we don’t know (more data is being collected): 

- Transmissibility caused by Omicron

- Disease severity caused by Omicron

- Degree to which vaccines and therapies protect against Omicron

What you can do to protect yourself and those around you:

-Get vaccinated against COVID-19

- Wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high community transmission

- Frequent handwashing

- Maintain physical distance from others

- Get tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms

Please consider using mitigation strategies if you are not already. We are seeing an increase in active cases and positivity rate which is a concerning trend. Please wear a mask in public places, avoid large crowds, wash your hands, and stay home/get tested if you are not feeling well.