This is a situational summary from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) regarding increases in COVID-19 cases across Missouri. In recent weeks, broad regions of Missouri including north central and southwest Missouri have experienced a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. The so-called Delta variant, which spreads more easily and poses higher risk of hospitalization than prior strains, is believed to be contributing to the increase. The DHSS is creating hotspot advisories in partnership with the Missouri Chamber of Commerce for counties across the state to give insight to community leaders to help overcome vaccine hesitancy and encourage community members to get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated is the best way to control the spread of this disease.
The first of a series of advisories that has been posted on the DHSS website. This advisory shows Camden, Miller, and Morgan counties will be experiencing sharp increases in COVID-19 cases. Vaccination rates in these counties are below the state rate of 39%. DHSS will be creating additional advisories similar to this one for other counties soon. Please share the hotspot advisories with those in your community including local leaders, government officials, businesses, faith-based organizations, and other partners. COVID-19 vaccine is widely available and can be found by going to MOStopsCovid.com or VaccineFinder.com.