Covid Update-During the week of June 16 – June 22, 2021

(Macon County, MO) – During the week of June 16 – June 22, 2021, there were 27 new cases of COVID-19. Currently, there are 31 active cases with 4 residents hospitalized. Of these 27 new cases no one was vaccinated. We are sad to report an additional death where COVID-19 was a factor.

Macon County is continuing an upward trend in cases in mainly unvaccinated residents. Of the last 105 new cases only 2 were vaccinated. In April we had an average of 6 new cases each week; May we had an average of 9.5 new cases each week; and, June so far, we are averaging 19.7 new cases each week. New cases in June to-date (61) have exceeded the total number of cases in all of May (44). At the Macon County Health Department, for the protection of staff and clients, masking for services is required regardless of vaccination status until our cases begin to trend down again.

COVID-19 vaccines are starting to prove safe and effective in preventing transmission and reducing the health effects for those few vaccinated people who get infected. The Pfizer vaccine is proving to be 95% effective; Moderna vaccine is 94.1% effective; and, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is 72% effective. Both Pfizer and Moderna are a 2-shot series. All 3 vaccines are free and available in Macon County at local vaccinators such as Macon County Health Department and Samaritan Hospital, as well as some local pharmacies. The nurses at the health department are knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions you may have about the vaccines.

The following reflects COVID-19 in Macon County as of the end of the day on June 24, 2021 –

31 active cases

4 hospitalized

18 deaths

1,703 total cases since March 2020