JEFFERSON CITY — The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reports 7,236 new cases of COVID-19 for the week ending August 19. That’s a drop of 2,580 from the previous week’s total of 9,816, or 26 percent fewer.
There were 19 new COVID-19 cases last week in Ste. Genevieve County, giving the county a high community level. There were 36 new cases in Perry County, which is also at a high community level.
Bollinger County had fewer than 10 for a medium community level.
St. Francois County had 119 new COVID-19 cases in the past seven days which gives it a high community level. Also at the high community level: Cape Girardeau with 112 new cases.
Jefferson County had 335 and was listed at a medium community level.
The CDC recommends the following measures for people in areas that are rated at High Community Level for COVID-19 transmission:
Wear a well-fitting mask indoors in public, regardless of vaccination status (including in K-12 schools and other indoor community settings)
If you are immunocompromised or high risk for severe disease
Wear a mask or respirator that provides you with greater protection
Consider avoiding non-essential indoor activities in public where you could be exposed
Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to take other precautions
Have a plan for rapid testing if needed (e.g., having home tests or access to testing)
IF YOU TEST POSITIVE: Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you are a candidate for treatments like oral antivirals, and monoclonal antibodies
If you have household or social contact with someone at high risk for severe disease
consider self-testing to detect infection before contact
consider wearing a mask when indoors with them
Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters
Maintain improved ventilation throughout indoor spaces when possible
Follow CDC recommendations for isolation and quarantine, including getting tested if you are exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19
At the Medium Community Level, persons who are elderly or immunocompromised (at risk of severe outcomes) are advised to wear a mask in indoor public places. In addition, they should make sure to get up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines or get their 2nd booster, if eligible.