506 Greene County children 0-11 contract COVID-19 in July- county reports 60 deaths in past two weeks

(From the Springfield-Greene County Health Department)

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department reported a 113% increase in new COVID-19 infections among children ages 0-11 from June to July.

506 children ages 0-11 tested positive for COVID-19 in July, up from 217 in June and the previous peak of 255 in December 2020. Additionally, children in this age group accounted for 8.5% of all reported cases in July, the highest share of all cases to-date.

 

Currently, vaccine is authorized for individuals 12 and older. Children who aren’t eligible to receive vaccine remain vulnerable to COVID-19, especially as they head back to school.

“All of us that are eligible can protect our children by getting vaccinated,” said Director of Health Katie Towns at a media availability today. “Our recommendation along with the healthcare community is that everyone who can get vaccinated to do so as soon as possible, especially those 12 and older who are about to head back to class.”

The Health Department has partnered with Springfield Public Schools to provide vaccine to eligible students and staff, including an event in partnership with the Springfield Cardinals, Foundation for Springfield Public Schools, Mercy and the Springfield Fire Department at Hammons Field on Thursday, August 5. This event is one of the last opportunities for individuals to receive protection before the first day of class.

In addition to encouraging everyone 12 and up to get vaccinated, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced recommendations for indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status.

Individuals needing a vaccine can visit vaccine417.com or call the Health Department’s COVID-19 Call Center at (417) 874-1211 for a list of available opportunities.

 

COVID-19 Deaths in July

The Health Department is saddened to report 58 Greene County residents died from COVID-19 in the month of July – the highest number of deaths in a single month since January. The youngest individual who died was in their 20s and the oldest was in their 80s. The average age of those who died in July was 64, down from 88 in March of 2020. 94% of individuals who have died since January were not fully vaccinated.

Number of Greene County residents fully vaccinated (as of August 4)
107,431 Greene County residents 12 and older have been fully vaccinated
According to the CDC, 58.1% of Americans 12+ have been fully vaccinated. This compares to 42.6% in Greene County.

Cases by vaccination status (among cases where the vaccination status is known)
Since January, 95% of individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 were not vaccinated.

For the reporting period from July 19-August 1, 2021:

Number of new COVID-19 cases
2,876 cases

COVID-19 deaths
60 deaths reported to the Health Department in the last two weeks

Current hospitalizations
236 hospitalizations
96 are Greene County residents

Additional information, including daily updates, can be found on the Health Department’s COVID-19 dashboard at http://health.springfieldmo.gov/coronavirus

A recording of today’s media availability can be viewed at https://cityview.springfieldmo.gov/livestream/