The Audrain County Health Department is back on red alert.
Last week they moved COVID-19 transmission levels in the county to the high level, as the new cases per 100,000 rate jumped to 114 over …
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The Audrain County Health Department is back on red alert.
Last week they moved COVID-19 transmission levels in the county to the high level, as the new cases per 100,000 rate jumped to 114 over the previous seven days. In that same span they recorded a positivity rate of 5.9 percent.
"We are continuing to monitor Audrain County’s positivity rate and new cases and will continue to inform the community so they can make informed decisions to keep themselves safe," said Craig Brace, the department's administrator and CEO.
The return to the red is somewhat of a precautionary measure. Last week's positivity rate would place the county at the moderate risk level. But the state Department of Health and Senior Services applies the higher number between the two measurements to determine community transmission levels.
While the number of cases is on the rise in Audrain County, there have been few hospitalizations compared to other areas of the state. And deaths county-wide since the beginning of the pandemic remain below 60.
Meanwhile, as of Aug. 15, CDC reports 200 COVID-related deaths over the previous seven days in Missouri, bringing the state total to 10,027.
Brace credits the relatively benign impact of the most recent wave in the county to vaccinations among the most vulnerable population. Of residents over the age of 65, 66 percent are fully vaccinated.
However, the number of county residents ages 18 and up who are fully vaccinated is just 36 percent. Brace said ACHD would be more comfortable if that increased to 45 percent.
"Getting vaccinated is not a guarantee that a person won’t become infected but data show that the vaccines are still highly effective in preventing serious illness or death," he pointed out. "Many of the breakthrough cases of those vaccinated have occurred in individuals who are immunocompromised."
The federal government has approved a booster shot for those with weakened immune systems. ACHD is not currently offering a third shot, as the department is awaiting a go ahead from state officials.
According to the CDC, Delta is the dominant variant active in the U.S. at the moment. Evidence of Delta has been identified in Audrain County.
But Brace cautions that definitive data is not available.
"Not all tests have variant testing, so we cannot accurately track the level of Delta specific to Audrain County," he observed.
In July ACHD issued a mask advisory for area residents who have not been fully vaccinated. The department has not moved toward a more general advisory or mandate.
"We encourage Audrain County residents to continue to follow public health guidelines to reduce their risk of exposure to COVID-19," Brace said. "These include masking when you can't maintain social distancing."
Other precautions include washing hands, avoiding crowds. Brace notes that people should remain home when sick and get tested for COVID-19 if a person develops symptoms or has been in close contact with an active case.
