COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations on the rise in Springfield, Greene County

(From the Springfield-Greene County Health Department)

Springfield-Greene County Health is advising people to get tested for COVID-19 and stay home if sick this Fourth of July weekend. 

The seven-day average of new cases of has risen 10% in the past week to 87 cases per day. Additionally, 56 people were hospitalized in Greene County as of yesterday afternoon, with 4 in critical care.

 

Due to this increase in cases and hospitalizations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now classifies Greene County as a medium impact level for COVID-19. This change in CDC impact level includes updated prevention guidance for Greene County. The CDC now recommends: Wearing a face mask while indoors if you are at high risk for severe illness or have frequent contact with a high-risk person.

 
Getting tested if you are exposed or have COVID-19 symptoms.

 
Staying up-to-date on vaccines and boosters.

With Fourth of July festivities only a few days away, the Health Department recommends outdoor gatherings to celebrate safely and reduce the spread of COVID-19. More information on staying healthy at outdoor summer celebrations can be found at health.springfieldmo.gov/summer.

 

If you have COVID-19 symptoms over the holiday weekend, the Health Department encourages the use of at-home tests. A map of testing opportunities and pharmacies that carry at-home antigen tests can be found at COVIDTesting417.com.

If you do test positive for COVID-19 with mild-to-moderate symptoms, you may be eligible for antiviral treatment options. The Health Department recommends calling your healthcare provider or scheduling a virtual appointment with a physician to discuss COVID-19 treatment options, especially for those at high-risk for severe illness, hospitalization and death. More information on COVID-19 care and treatment options can be found at: health.springfieldmo.gov/COVIDtreatment.

Those needing a vaccination or booster dose opportunity can visit vaccine417.com or call the COVID-19 Call Center at 417-874-1211 for a list of walk-in and appointment opportunities.