Tonight, from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS):

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services posted a local alert for Johnson County and 2 other counties.

JOHNSON, LAFAYETTE & SALINE COUNTIES: COVID-19 cases in Johnson (299), Lafayette (256) and Saline (165) have increased in the past 14 days.

Hospitals in the region are seeing resource strain from dramatically increased numbers of COVID-19 patients and hospitalizations. As a result, several hospitals in the region are at or near capacity. Continued disease spread into Northwest Missouri is expected.

The Delta variant, which spreads more easily and poses higher risk of hospitalization than prior variants, is believed to be contributing to the increase. Vaccination continues to be our best tool to move past this pandemic.

Vaccination rates:
– Johnson County: 23.4%
– Lafayette County: 34.5%
– Saline County: 35.8%
Experts say at least 70% – 80% of people need immunity to minimize spread within a community.

COVID-19 Resources
– Vaccines: MOStopsCovid.com
– At Home & Community Testing: Health.Mo.Gov/CommunityTest

Those who choose not to get vaccinated should continue these important public health steps:
– Maintain at least six feet distance from others;
– Wear a mask when appropriate;
– Avoid others that appear to be sick;
– Avoid others if you have COVID symptoms;
– Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue; and
– Wash your hands.
[….]

The DHSS Advisory – August 13, 2021:

A vaccination rate of 23.4%. What could go wrong?

“…You ever dance with the devil in the pale moonlight…?”