Things to note: This is the most cases we have tracked since February 2022. We estimate, however, that due to the high usage of at-home tests we are missing 50% or more of the actual cases in the county. The CDC lists our risk level as Medium/Yellow. Previously it would have been listed as High.
Sewershed testing of a sample dated 7/12 from the Salem wastewater treatment facility was tested by Missouri University this week. That test showed 100% Omicron variant with 80% further subdivided into BA.4/BA.5 (the waste water test cannot tell the difference). BA.5 is highly contagious and as severe as the Delta variant.
Vaccination is still important. Children as young as 6 months old can now be vaccinated. For adults who are not comfortable with the MRNA technology used in the vaccine, a different vaccine, called Novavax has been FDA authorized for use in the US after being used extensively elsewhere. It uses traditional vaccine technology.
Testing is also important. If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, take a test (at home tests are fine). We offer tests at the Health Center.
We also offer Paxlovid and Monoclonal antibody treatments.
