The health services of region H issue a public health advisory

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(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) Region H public health departments issue public health advisory in response to rapid increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Northwestern Missouri linked to the emergence of the delta variant.

Currently, unvaccinated residents of all ages who have returned to normal activities without adequate protection are most at risk, especially those with compromised immunity.

COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalization and death.

Public health departments in the area strongly recommend that residents take the following precautions to protect themselves and others in their community:

-Get yourself fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Anyone 12 years of age or older should be vaccinated immediately.
Help protect children under 12 by making sure those eligible around them are vaccinated.
People who started the 2-dose vaccination should receive their second dose to ensure maximum protection against all strains of COVID-19, including delta.
Talk to your friends and family about the importance of getting the vaccine.
If you have special concerns about whether you should receive the vaccine, see your doctor.

-Unvaccinated people should wear a mask when going to indoor public places, crowded outdoor places, and for activities in close contact with other people who are not fully vaccinated.

People with underlying health conditions may not be able to receive full protection from the vaccine, and children under 12 are not yet eligible for vaccination. These populations are vulnerable to exposure to COVID-19.

-Vaccinated and unvaccinated residents should exercise caution.

Currently, 40% of Missourians and 25% of those in region H are fully vaccinated. In Northwest Missouri, suppose 3 in 4 people in a crowd or gathering could be unvaccinated. If you don’t know the immunization status of those around you, resume social distancing of at least 6 feet and wear a mask.
If you are not vaccinated, being in crowds like restaurants, bars, fitness centers, or movie theaters puts you at a higher risk of COVID-19. Whenever possible, avoid indoor spaces that do not provide fresh air from the outside.
In addition, continue to practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.

-Stay at home if you are sick.

Get tested if you develop or have symptoms of COVID-19, including mild symptoms similar to a cold or allergies.

-People with underlying health conditions should be fully immunized as soon as possible and wear masks when near people of unknown immunization status.

The following conditions are associated with an increased risk of death from COVID-19: age over 65, recipient of an organ transplant, cancer, diabetes, obesity, chronic heart / lung / kidney / neurological conditions, rheumatic conditions such as as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, use of immunosuppressive drugs, AIDS and other immunosuppressive or neurological conditions.
Having more than one of these conditions can dramatically increase the risk of hospitalization or death. For more information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

To find up-to-date vaccination location information and advice, please visit your local health department website or social media page (s). The following regional public health services have joined forces to endorse this message.

Andrew County Department of Health

(816) 324-3139

Andrew Hoffman, administrator

[email protected]

Atchison County Department of Health

(660) 736-4121

Julie Livengood, RD, LD, Administrator

[email protected]

City of Saint-Joseph health service

(816) 271-4636

Debra Bradley, Director of Health

[email protected]