Active cases increase locally; vaccines encouraged

COVID-19 is once again spreading in the area as the number of active cases continues to increase.

The Scott County Health Department reported 13 new positive cases since Friday while 13 have also recovered.

As of Monday afternoon, there were 44 active cases in Scott County. Since the pandemic began over a year ago, 4,163 positive cases have been reported and 4,033 have recovered while there has been 86 deaths.

The last update provided by the Mississippi County Health Department had 12 active cases in the county. There has been 1,786 total cases in the county with 32 deaths and 1,742 out of isolation.

New Madrid County reported 25 active cases on Friday afternoon. To date, there has been 53 deaths in the county while 2,228 positive case have been reported.

Local health officials are encouraging those who are not vaccinated to get the vaccine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the authorized COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing COVID-19, but no vaccine prevents illness 100% of the time.

A small percentage of people who are fully vaccinated may still get COVID-19 if they’re exposed to the virus that causes it. These infections are called “vaccine breakthrough cases.” However, being vaccinated makes it less likely that people will get seriously ill if they do get COVID-19.

There are plenty of options locally for those wanting the vaccine.

• The Scott County Health Department will be administering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for persons 18 years and up by appointment at 573-471-4044.

• The Missouri Delta Medical Center is scheduling appointments for the Pfizer vaccine for anyone 12 and up. Call 573-471-1600 to schedule an appointment.

• Sikeston MediCenter Pharmacy has the Moderna vaccine available for persons 18 and up. Appointments can be scheduled online at www.healthmarcovidvaccine.com or by calling the pharmacy at 471-4401.

• The Mississippi County Health Department holds a COVID Vaccine Clinic at their Charleston location every Wednesday.

Anyone needing their first or second dose of Moderna, can call 573-683-2191 to be scheduled.

• The New Madrid County Health Department has the Moderna vaccine available. Anyone who would like to receive the vaccine should call the health department at 573-748-5541 to schedule an appointment.