Jefferson County has returned to the yellow, or medium, level on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) three-color COVID-19 warning system.
Last week the county was moved to orange, or high, level after spending 19 weeks at the medium level.
During the week of Dec. 18-24, the Health Department reported 347 new COVID-19 cases for a total of 3,250 this respiratory season, which runs from October into May.
The county has seen a total of 588 COVID-19-related deaths since the start of the pandemic.
Brianne Zwiener, Jefferson County Health Department public information officer, recommends anyone who is considered high risk for serious illness from the virus wear a mask in public places.
She also said people should wear masks in public if they frequently are around those who are high risk.
Health officials strongly encourage people to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Anyone 6 months and older is eligible for vaccines.
Zwiener said people may go to vaccines.gov for information about where vaccine appointments are available.
Flu
A total of 3,070 cases have been reported since the flu season began in October, with 304 additional cases reported this past week, according to the Health Department. There have been 2,982 cases of type A flu and 88 of type B flu reported so far this season.
There have been two flu deaths so far this season.
Health officials strongly encourage people to get vaccinated against the flu.
Appointments for flu vaccines at the Health Department may be scheduled by calling 636-797-3737.
