As COVID-19 cases continue to surge in our community, higher education leaders encourage younger adults to get vaccinated before the start of the new school year. Over the last two weeks, there was a 51% increase in new cases in the 18-22 age group compared to the previous two weeks and a 64% increase among those 23-30.
On Monday, 321 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported to the Health Department, bringing our seven-day average to 236 cases per day. This represents a 22% increase in cases over the past seven days.
During a media availability on Tuesday afternoon, health and university leaders encouraged college students to seek vaccine to not only protect themselves and others around them, but to help make sure they don’t miss out on activities and big milestones throughout the year.
“We have to stop thinking that this disease only impacts those who are older or unhealthy, especially now that the variant is proving the opposite.COVID-19 is a threat to all who are unvaccinated,” said Acting Director of Health Katie Towns.
According to most recent and available data, 96% of individuals who’ve contracted COVID-19 since January 2021 have not been fully vaccinated. Currently, 259 people are being treated for COVID-19 in Springfield hospitals – breaking the previous record of 251 admissions reported on Monday.
The Health Department is also saddened to report the deaths of seven Greene County residents from COVID-19 for the July 5-18 reporting period, including a man in his 20s. Those who died ranged in age from their 20s-70s. The average age of those who have died has fallen from nearly 81 years old in December to just over 64 so far in July.
The Health Department continues to work hard to make the COVID-19 vaccine easily accessible for everyone who is eligible. Those still needing a vaccine can visit vaccine417.com or call the Health Department’s COVID-19 Call Center at (417) 874-1211 for a list of available opportunities.
Number of Greene County residents fully vaccinated (as of July 20)
- 102,436 Greene County residents 12 and older have been fully vaccinated
- According to the CDC, 56.9% of Americans 12+ have been fully vaccinated. This compares to 40.6% in Greene County.
Cases by vaccination status (among cases where the vaccination status is known)
- Since January, 96% of individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 were not vaccinated
For the reporting period from July 5-18, 2021:
COVID-19 deaths
- Seven deaths (down from 17 two weeks ago)
Number of new COVID-19 cases
- 2,648 (up from 1,782 two weeks ago)
7-day rolling average of new COVID-19 cases
- 236 (up from 139 two weeks ago)
Current hospitalizations
- 259 hospitalizations
- 133 are Greene County residents
Additional information, including daily updates, can be found on the Health Department’s COVID-19 dashboard at http://health.springfieldmo.gov/coronavirus
A recording of today’s media availability can be viewed at https://cityview.springfieldmo.gov/livestream/
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Media may contact the Health Department PIO Team by call or text at 417-380-2556 or email at [email protected].
Springfield-Greene County Health Department
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