The state of Missouri is entering a new phase of the pandemic, as it has become evident that COVID-19 is here to stay. While it is still spreading, communities now better understand how to respond to the disease and make sure individuals have the tools necessary to prevent the severe impacts, such as testing, vaccination and treatment options. As we move to an endemic response, Springfield-Greene County Health is committed to providing guidance and education so individuals and families can continue protecting themselves and others from this serious disease.
SGCHD’s endemic-level approach
Endemic refers to a disease that is regularly present in a community, such as influenza and HIV. Moving to an endemic response does not mean that COVID-19 is gone or that there will not be future surges of the disease that require an elevated response. Springfield-Greene County Health will continue monitoring the rise of new variants of the virus and will remain prepared for the potential increases in cases that could result.
Since the Health Department’s current COVID-19 operation aligns with new recommendations from the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services, there will not be any additional shifts in operations. Testing and vaccination efforts continue to be the pillars of our response. Additionally, our epidemiology team will continue to provide guidance with a focus on vulnerable populations and monitoring potential outbreaks to reduce community spread in Greene County.
CDC Community Levels
According to the Centers for Disease Control, Greene County is currently a low community impact level for COVID-19. This is encouraging. It means disease prevalence is not causing major disruption to our healthcare systems as it has in the past. However, it does not mean we can eliminate our response altogether. People should continue to get tested after exposures, stay home when they are experiencing symptoms and stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.
Community impact is measured using three indicators:
- New COVID-19 cases in the last seven days, per 100,000 people.
- New COVID-19 hospital admissions in the last seven days, per 100,000 people.
- Percent of inpatient hospital beds occupied by a COVID-19 patient.
All three indicators in Greene County sit below the threshold for a low impact level, which is outlined on the CDC Community Levels webpage.
Vaccination continues to be the best way for people to protect themselves and their families against these possible surges of COVID-19, so we urge everyone to get vaccinated and get their booster dose as soon as they are eligible. More information and vaccination opportunities can be found at vaccine417.com or at 417-874-1211.
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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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417-864-1658
227 E. Chestnut Expressway