Covid Update from MCHD

The COVID-19 cases in Macon County have increased dramatically in the last four-week period. In the last four weeks, the Macon County Health Department has been notified of 78 positive cases of COVID-19. 32 of these positive cases have been within the last seven days, 19 in the week before, and 17 the week prior. This compares to 26 cases we saw in May. These reported cases are confirmed tests and do not count at-home tests. Ages of positive cases range from 5-91 years old.

Common symptoms that are reported are “allergy-like” symptoms or what may be perceived as a simple summer cold. They can be symptoms like sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and maybe a fever.

We have noticed a trend of outbreaks in smaller, more intimate gatherings and encourage everyone to use proper mitigation techniques for preventing COVID-19 when in attendance at these events; they are including, but not limited to, camps, family get-togethers, weddings, and community events.

We have the tools to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Staying home and wearing a mask around others when you test positive, including others in your home. Wash your hands, cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze, and keeping a safe distance from others can help reduce the spread of communicable disease.

Testing when you are feeling sick, or after an exposure, can help you know whether you have COVID-19. There are free at-home testing kits available through www.covid.gov/tests or by calling 1-800-232-0233.

Staying up-to-date on vaccinations and boosters can help reduce symptomatic, severe infection, and hospitalization due to COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccinations have been approved for ages 6 months and up. At least one booster is available for everyone fully vaccinated who are ages 5 and up, 5 months after the initial series and a second booster has been approved for individuals who are 50 and over and/or immunocompromised individuals.

COVID-19 continues to be a serious health concern for residents in our county. People continue to fight the effects of COVID-19 in their homes and from being hospitalized due to this illness. The Macon County Health Department continues to support and encourage healthy choices to improve health outcomes for all residents in our county.

The Macon County Health Department offers COVID-19 vaccination clinics weekly for Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Call for an appointment at 660-395-4711 or request an appointment online at www.maconmohealth.org/appointment.