With COVID-19 cases rising, CDC suggests Greene Co. residents mask up again

Susan Szuch, Springfield News-Leader
·2 min read
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have updated Greene County's COVID-19 Community Level to high, and are recommending that residents wear masks in public spaces indoors and on public transportation.

In Greene County, the rate of COVID-19 cases has increased to 266.13 per 100,000 people, up from last week's rate of 219.73 cases per 100,000 people. COVID-19 hospital admissions are also up (11.8 admissions per 100,000), as is the percent of staffed in-patient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients (4.7%).

Internationally, the COVID-19 omicron variant BA.4 and BA.5 have seemed to be more infectious, and according to Springfield-Greene County Epidemiologist Kendra Findley, those variants are present in Greene County.

While cases were down to less than 20 per day in April, Findley noted that the health department started seeing an increase starting May 4. Sewage sampling has identified the omicron variants in wastewater.

"(BA.4 and BA.5 are) present here, and that may be why we’re starting to see a more significant rise," Findley said.

More: US COVID-19 map: Tracking cases and deaths

People are encouraged to wear masks indoors and on public transport, stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines and to get tested if you have symptoms.

According to the CDC, about 50% of the total population is fully vaccinated.

Findley encourages people to get vaccinated: "It's never too late to get your vaccine" and natural immunity alone isn't enough.

"We are slowing the spread in general, with vaccinations and by people who have that natural immunity because they’ve had the virus and gotten over it," Findley said. "But every time this virus mutates, and we see a new variant, it’s going to go right through the population again and that natural immunity you have isn’t going to give you much protection."

Those who think they may have COVID-19 can visit COVIDtesting417.com to find testing opportunities and pharmacies that carry at-home tests.

More: Kids younger than 5 can now receive COVID-19 vaccines in Springfield

People older than 5 years old who need a COVID-19 vaccination or booster dose can visit vaccine417.com or call 417-874-1211 for walk-in and appointment opportunities.

Those who test positive for COVID-19 with mild to moderate symptoms may be eligible for antiviral treatment options. People who are at high risk for severe illness should contact their medical provider to discuss treatment options, according to the Springfield-Greene County Health Department.

Susan Szuch is the health and public policy reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on Twitter @szuchsm. Story idea? Email her at sszuch@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: CDC: Greene Co. should mask up indoors, on public transit