Greene County records highest COVID-19 rate since beginning of pandemic, 434 cases Thursday

(From the Springfield-Freene County Health Department)

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department is reporting a new record daily average of COVID-19 cases in Greene County. 

A total of 434 new cases of COVID-19 were reported yesterday, bringing the rolling 7-day average of new cases per day to an all-time high of 280.7 cases per day. The previous high was 254.7 cases per day reported in January 2021.

 

Today’s news echoes the message given on Wednesday by Health Director Katie Towns, “We are going to experience a significant surge in disease throughout our community. It has already begun, and we are going to see these numbers rise over the next several weeks.”

Everyone is encouraged to prepare for a continued increase in COVID-19 cases by using the tools and strategies available to prevent the spread of disease. This includes wearing a mask, staying home when sick, getting tested, getting vaccinated and signing up for a booster dose appointment when you’re eligible.

Data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that a booster dose prevents 75% of people who contract the Omicron variant from having a symptomatic infection, compared to 35% among those who have received a two-dose vaccine. Those who have not yet become fully vaccinated will receive significant protection against severe illness, hospitalization and death by choosing vaccination now.

Anyone who has been exposed to COVID-19 or is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should get tested. Appointments are required for COVID-19 testing at the Springfield-Greene County Health Department and can be made online at COVIDTesting417.com or by calling the COVID-19 Call Center at 417-874-1211. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and unable to get tested, you should still isolate until symptoms have resolved and reach out to a health care provider for guidance.

Vaccination appointments, including booster doses for those 12 and older, are available across the community and at the Health Department Vaccination Clinic at 1425 E Battlefield. Appointments can be made at vaccine417.com or by call 417-874-1211.