Springfield-Greene County Health Department reports record 17 COVID-19 deaths in one day

(From the Springfield-Greene County Health Department)

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department is heartbroken to announce the deaths of 17 community members from COVID-19. Tragically, our community’s death toll from this virus has now topped 200.

Our community lost: 

 
A man in his 40s
A man in his 60s
A woman in her 60s
A woman in her 70s
A woman in her 70s

A woman in her 70s 

A woman in her 70s 

A man in his 70s
A man in his 70s
A man in his 70s
A man in his 80s
A man in his 80s
A man in his 80s
A woman in her 80s
A woman in her 80s
A woman in her 90s
A woman in her 90s

All of these individuals had underlying conditions. Four were associated with long-term care.

The Health Department extends our condolences to everyone impacted by these losses. We take each loss personally and our hearts are with you.

“Reporting 17 deaths and crossing the 200 total deaths milestone are the latest in a string of tragic new records. These are devastating but not surprising reminders that the case surge we have experienced over the past several weeks brings heartbreaking results,” said Director of Health Clay Goddard.

“It has been a long, hard year, but we owe it to one another to do everything we can to prevent the spread of this illness, especially for those most vulnerable. A vaccine is on the way. We have entered the final leg of this marathon, but we need to finish strong.”

A total of 216 Greene County residents have died from COVID-19. Twenty deaths have been announced by the Health Department in the first three days of December.

Demographic profile of those we’ve lost

Number of total Greene County deaths by age group:

40s: 4 deaths

50s: 11 deaths

60s: 27 deaths

70s: 61 deaths

80s: 73 deaths

90s: 38 deaths

100s: 2 deaths

Sadly, this disease is impacting our entire community – not just older adults or those who live in long-term care. Since the beginning of November, 62% of deaths occurred in individuals not associated with long term care and in the last month, the average age of those who have died has dropped. In October, the average age was 81. In November, it was 75, as we saw those in younger age groups—including in their 40s—pass away, demonstrating that we are all vulnerable.

We all play a part in prevention

It is vital that we all remain vigilant and follow basic prevention measures to protect ourselves and our loved ones, especially during the holiday season:
Wear a mask
Watch your distance
Wash your hands
Stay home if you are sick
Limit interactions and social gatherings
Minimize travel

COVID-19 Living Memorial

To remember those lost from COVID-19 and to support those left behind, the Health Department has created a COVID-19 Living Memorial.

The memorial can be accessed at health.springfieldmo.gov/COVIDmemorial