High positivity rate in Mississippi County raises concerns

Friday, February 26, 2021

A high positive COVID-19 rate in Mississippi County has county health officials asking residents to use precautions.

According to a post early Friday on social media from the Mississippi County Health Department, the positivity rate in Mississippi County is at 20%, the second highest in the state of Missouri. The number of people being tested in Mississippi County is also far less than in November and December.

The post stated that Charleston and the Southeast Correctional Center (SECC) are participating in a Sewershed Surveillance Project, with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the University of Missouri. In the project, they are monitoring the viral genetic material of COVID-19 in wastewater.

The health department states they have been alerted there is a greater than 50% increase in viral genetic material for COVID-19 in the wastewater of Charleston. The SECC has not seen an increase and are tested twice a week, so that is not influencing the numbers for Charleston.

“With this increase, it can mean that we are seeing an increase in the number of people possibly infected with COVID-19 and those people could be asymptomatic,” the statement said. “If you are having any COVID-related symptoms, please go get tested. Please practice CDC guidelines to keep the community safe by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, wash your hands frequently, sanitize frequently touched surfaces and if you are sick, stay home.”

The positivity rate in Mississippi County was higher Friday than it has been in about a month. The Sewershed Surveillance Project also showed a large increase at the last outbreak at SECC and the health department urges Mississippi County residents to take precautions.

“If you have not been vaccinated, please think about doing so,” the statement said. “The Governor announced yesterday that on March 15, the COVID vaccine will be opened up to 1B Tier 3 and we are working with the four local pharmacies to get vaccine available for this group.”

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