The Jefferson County Health Department has reported eight more COVID-19-related deaths, bringing the total number of county residents who have died from the virus to 358 since the pandemic began.
Those eight deaths include a woman in her 50s, a woman in her 60s, a man in his 60s, a woman in her 70s, three men in their 70s and a woman in her 80s.
During the week of Nov. 14 to Nov. 20, the county had 491 new COVID-19 cases, which was up from the previous week, when 460 new cases were reported.
Of the most recent 491 cases, 76.99 percent was among unvaccinated people, and 23.01 percent was breakthrough cases, meaning cases among those who had been vaccinated, according to the Health Department.
As of today (Nov. 24), the county had seen a total of 34,284 coronavirus cases since the first ones were reported in March 2020, the report said.
Red status
For an 18th consecutive week, the county is in the red status on the Health Department’s COVID-19 warning system. Red is the highest level on the four-color system and indicates high transmission of the virus in the community.
The number of cases per 100,000 people for Nov. 14 to Nov. 20 was 218.22, which was up from the previous week when there were 204.44, new cases per 100,000 people, the Health Department reported.
The county’s percentage of positive COVID-19 tests for Nov. 14 to Nov. 20 was 11.24 percent, which was up from the prior week at about 10.86 percent.
The Health Department uses the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) metrics to set the color level, and the community status is calculated using both the seven-day total of new cases per 100,000 residents and the percentage of positive tests. If the metrics have different color levels, the Health Department uses the higher color in the four-color system to determine the county color status.
Both metrics are in red, so the county remains in the red status.
New report
Brianne Zwiener, the Health Department’s public communications officer, said the department has changed its weekly report to show both influenza and COVID-19 statistics for the county.
“This week is the first time we are utilizing our combined respiratory disease surveillance report,” she said. “This report includes data on both influenza and COVID for Week 46 (Nov. 14-20).
“It's really just to simplify the process and make clear just the main data points.”
Two flu cases were reported for Nov. 14-20, bringing the current season total to 30 cases.
Previously, the department released a COVID-19 update on Wednesdays and a flu report on Thursdays.
Vaccines
Health officials urge residents to get the COVID-19 vaccine and to take other steps to limit the spread of the virus, including wearing masks and social distancing.
As of today, 44.95 percent of Jefferson County residents was vaccinated, which was up slightly from the week before, when 44.35 percent was vaccinated, according to the Health Department.
Most of the COVID-19 vaccines recently administered in Jefferson County have been booster doses, the Health Department reported.
Booster COVID-19 vaccines are available for anyone 18 years and older who is fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
“These vaccines are safe and effective in preventing serious illness,” said Donald Kauerauf, director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. “I would encourage all eligible adults to seek a booster to maintain a high level of protection, especially as we enter colder months when instances of respiratory infections are more readily circulated. With the upcoming holidays, where you will come in contact with your loved ones, getting vaccinated is the way to prevent getting sick and unknowingly exposing others. Thousands of Missourians are also still choosing to receive their primary series of COVID-19 vaccinations in Missouri each week, so we are continuing to make progress as a state.”
The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is now available to children ages 5-11.
People may sign up for a vaccine appointment through the Health Department by going to the state vaccine Navigator website at covidvaccine.mo.gov/navigator. Or they may call 877-435-8411. Or, to find another local vaccine site, visit vaccinefinder.org.
