The Jefferson County Health Department has reported two more COVID-19-related deaths – a girl 10 or younger and a woman in her 50s.
Brianne Zwiener, Jefferson County Health Department public information officer, said she could not be more specific about the ages in order to protect the girl’s and woman’s privacy.
With those two deaths, the county has had a total of 48 COVID-19-related deaths this respiratory season, which began in October and ends in May, and 617 COVID-19-related deaths since the start of the pandemic, according to the Health Department.
Jefferson County’s COVID-19 Community Level has changed to green, or low, on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) three-color warning system.
Health officials recommend anyone who is considered high risk for serious illness from the virus wear a mask in public places.
They also recommend people wear masks in public if they frequently are around others 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 3,522 flu cases have been reported since the respiratory season began in October, with five new cases reported March 12-18, according to the Health Department.
Of the total number of cases this respiratory season, 3,371 have been type A flu and 151 type B flu.
The county has had six flu deaths so far this respiratory season, the Health Department reported.
Health officials also 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.