The Jefferson County Health Department has reported three new COVID-19-related deaths – a man in his 50s, a man in his 60s and a woman in her 80s.
That brings the county’s total number of deaths from the virus to 10 during this respiratory season, which begins around the first week of October and ends in May, according to the Health Department.
The county has seen a total of 564 COVID-19-related deaths since the start of the pandemic.
During the fifth week of respiratory season, Nov. 6-12, the Health Department reported 206 new COVID-19 cases for a season total of 1,309.
As of Nov. 18, Jefferson County was in the yellow, or medium, level on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention three-color COVID-19 warning system. That is the 14th consecutive week the county has been in the yellow level.
Brianne Zwiener, Jefferson County Health Department public information officer, said she still recommends anyone who is considered high risk for serious illness from the virus to 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 the vaccine.
Zwiener said people may go to vaccines.gov for information about where vaccine appointments are available.
A COVID-19 bivalent booster vaccine that targets both the original strain of the virus and Omicron sub-variants is available at Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Crystal City, and people may sign up to receive a dose at mercy.net/movaccine.
However, people may not receive that booster unless it’s been at least two months since their last COVID-19 vaccine or booster.
Flu
A total of 260 cases have been reported since the flu season began on Oct. 2, including 124 cases from Nov. 6-12, according to the Health Department. There have been 234 cases of type A flu and 26 of type B flu reported so far this season.
No flu deaths have been reported in the county so far this season.
Health officials strongly encourage people to get vaccinated against the flu.
Appointments to get a flu vaccine from the Health Department may be scheduled by calling 636-797-3737.