Covid-Related Death Reported
For the first time in more than a month, the McDonald County Health Department reported another covid induced death this week — bringing the death toll to 31.
For the first time in more than a month, the McDonald County Health Department reported another covid-induced death this week — bringing the death toll to 31.
A total of 21 new cases were reported for the week. These numbers reflect a decrease in new cases reported, but this may also be due to fewer free testing sites available to the public.
Health department officials announced that 2,000 doses of the vaccine made way into McDonald County last week and were distributed, by appointment, on Tuesday, Feb. 23, and Wednesday, Feb. 24.
As of publication, the total number of positive cases is 2,439. A total of 2,392 individuals have been released from isolation, leaving 47 still isolated and one individual currently hospitalized. So far, 1,280 doses of the vaccine have been administered.
On Tuesday, Feb. 23, McDonald County School District announced that two staff members are currently testing positive for covid-19, with eight students and two staff members being excluded from school as a result.
No data was released regarding the school(s) of the quarantined students or staff.
Officials with the McDonald County Health Department remind the public that federal funding for testing through the CARES Act ended on Dec. 31. The health department is no longer able to continue free testing for the uninsured. All area clinics will continue to provide testing at a cost.
Health Department personnel will continue to focus on contact tracing and distributing covid vaccinations in phases.
The first phase, 1A, places a priority on vaccinating long-term care facility residents and staff as well as patient-facing healthcare workers.
Phase 1B focuses on vaccinating high-risk individuals 18 to 64 years old, and individuals older than 65 years, as well as first responders and essential workers.
Populations at increased risk, such as prisoners and the homeless, will receive the vaccination in Phase 2, followed by all Missouri residents having access to the vaccine in Phase 3.
McDonald County Health Department officials reiterate that cases are continuing to rise and encourage the public to wear masks and social distance.
Updates on the vaccine and plans for distribution will continue to be shared online.
Due to a limited supply of antibody test kits, the health department is reserving tests for people who meet certain criteria. For more information, call 417-223-4351, ext. 0.
Testing is available at Ozarks Community Hospital clinics, Freeman Health System, Access Family Care in Anderson, and at the McDonald County Health Department. Each facility has different times and days for availability, so those wishing to be tested are asked to call ahead and schedule an appointment.
• Pineville Ozarks Community Hospital: 417-223-4290, by appointment.
• Noel Ozarks Community Hospital: 417-475-6151, by appointment.
• McDonald County Health Department: 417-223-4351, by appointment, for the uninsured.
• Access Family Care: 417-845-8300, every Wednesday from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m., by appointment.
• Freeman Clinic of Anderson: 417-845-0545, must be symptomatic, by appointment.
The McDonald County Health Department will not be open this week as mass vaccination clinics are being held.
Phase 1B — Tier 1 was activated on Jan. 15 and Phase 1B — Tier 2 was activated on Jan. 18. The 1A population will continue to receive vaccinations as the next phase progresses.
Vaccination clinics are being scheduled for those in Phase 1B, Tier 2. This includes anyone over 65 years of age and adults with the following conditions:
• Cancer
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• COPD
• Intellectual and/or developmental disabilities such as Down Syndrome
• Heart Conditions
• Immunocompromised state from solid organ transplant
• Severe Obesity (BMI>40kg/m2)
• Pregnancy
• Sickle Cell Disease
• Type II Diabetes. You must be preregistered on the health department’s list in order to receive an appointment for vaccination. To pre-register, call 417-223-4351 between 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday through Friday, and follow the prompts. Your name will be added to the list and you will receive a call with more details the day before your scheduled clinic.
Health department officials remind the public that two doses of the Moderna vaccine are required and should be administered 28 days apart.
It is important that patients return for the second dose to develop the highest level of protection from SARS-CoV-2. Patients who do not receive the second Moderna vaccination at 28 days should still receive the second dose as soon as possible thereafter.