The Jefferson County Health Department reported 46 new COVID-19 cases today, bringing the total number of cases in the county to 21,608 since the first ones were reported in March.
Of those cases, 1,336 have been at long-term care facilities, which includes residents and staff members who live in Jefferson County, the Health Department reported.
Of the county’s 209 COVID-19 deaths, 77 have been from long-term care facilities.
The county remains in the orange status on the Health Department’s COVID-19 warning system, the second highest level on the four-color system. The orange status indicates widespread but controlled transmission of the coronavirus.
Even though new COVID-19 cases have been on the decline, Health Department officials say it’s still important to continue taking steps to limit the spread of the virus, and the agency’s Board of Trustees agreed Thursday (Feb. 25) to extend the county face mask order until March 25.
The order requires residents to wear face masks in public spaces when social distancing cannot be maintained, but it does not call for any type of fine or penalty for people who violate it.
The order is a joint order with the county government and is intended to curtail the spread of COVID-19.
Health officials also urge residents to limit nonessential travel, avoid crowds, wear masks, practice social distancing and frequent hand-washing, and stay home when you are sick.
Vaccines
The Health Department said it won’t have another report on cases and deaths until Wednesday (March 3) because it will be busy holding large COVID-19 vaccination clinics on Monday (March 1) and Tuesday (March 2).
The Health Department plans to provide 3,000 Moderna vaccines over the two days, and those vaccinations will be administered only to people with appointments. The Health Department contacts people to set up appointments, following the state’s COVID-19 vaccination distribution plan, which prioritizes people based on occupation, age and health risks.
Anyone who wants to get the vaccine through the Health Department must sign up for it by completing an interest survey at jeffcohealth.org. People without internet access may call the Health Department registration line at 636-789-8941.
Vollmar said more vaccination clinics will be held, and she believes the Health Department will be able to give 600 doses per week moving forward.
Comtrea, which also offers health care services around the county, has several upcoming vaccine clinics, too.
Marketing communications manager Nathanael Herbert said first-dose clinics were scheduled for today in Festus, Monday in Arnold and Wednesday (March 3) in Festus and Arnold. He said 200 vaccines will be administered at each of the clinics.
Comtrea also is planning to hold first-dose clinics on March 9, March 16, March 23 and March 30. He said 400 vaccines will be provided at each of those clinics.
Herbert said 11 second-dose clinics are planned for February and March. He said starting in April, Comtrea will offer 400 second doses every Wednesday in Festus and Arnold, with 200 second doses given at each location.
Comtrea also gives all vaccines by appointment only and will contact people who have registered for the vaccine and who are eligible to receive it under the state’s distribution plan to set up the appointments.
To register with Comtrea, visit comtrea.org/vaccine-inquiry.
Only those who are included in Phase 1A, Phase 1B Tier 1 and Phase 1B Tier 2 of the state’s vaccine distribution plan may receive the vaccines at this time. For more information about the state’s vaccine plan, go to covidvaccine.mo.gov.
Mercy also has created an online sign-up method to help distribute vaccines to those eligible under the state’s vaccination plan. To sign up with Mercy, go to mercy.net/MOVaccine.
Other hospital systems and pharmacies also are registering people for the vaccines.
