Is COVID on the Rise

August 26, 2022

By Robin Gregg

It's now been over two years since COVID hit our counties and thus far 46 lives have been lost in Monroe County and 30 in Ralls County.

According to Paula Delaney, Monroe County Health Department, "Reported COVID cases since June 2022 are: June-53; July-65 and since August 1-103; but just 28 new cases since August 15. This includes all patients who received a test from a clinic or physician. This does not include any patients who may have tested with a home test."

The Monroe County Health Department does not investigate COVID cases any longer. All patients with a positive COVID test should follow CDC guidelines by isolating from others for at least 5 days, and to isolate from others in the home. One is likely most infectious during these first 5 days. Wear a high-quality mask when one must be around others at home and in public. After 5 days, if one is fever-free for 24 hours and symptoms are improving, or no symptoms existed, one may end isolation after day 5. One should wear a high-quality mask through day 10. Regardless of when isolation ended, avoid being around people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID until at least day 11. Patients are asked to stay out of restaurants until after day 10. Those who were exposed to someone with COVID should wear a high-quality mask for 10 days and get tested on day 5. It is recommended that people maintain the good habits established during the pandemic, by maintaining social distancing, wearing a mask when in crowds or when with those who are immunocompromised, and regular hand washing with soap and warm water. Moderna COVID vaccine is still available at the health department for those ages 18 and older. After the initial two doses, two boosters are available four months apart. Call the health department at 660/327-4653 for clinic dates.

According to Tanya Taylor, Ralls County Health Department, "They had 19 cases last week ago. The numbers have been up and down as some people report home tests and some don't. It is hard to say if we are in a rise per say. This is a lower number than we've had the past couple weeks. Keeping my fingers crossed!"

If you want to keep up to date on hot spots in Missouri where COVID is active, I like the Mayo Clinic map, you can find that at https://www.mayoclinic.org/coronavirus-covid-19/map/missouri