The Platte County Health Department last week added its voice to the list of Kansas City metro area departments of health asking people to wear masks again due to rising COVID-19 numbers.
In consultation with area hospitals’ Chief Medical Officers, the region’s public health departments are issuing a Public Health Advisory in response to rapidly increasing COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations across the Kansas City metro related to the emergence of the delta variant.
At this time, according to the statement, unvaccinated residents of all ages who have resumed normal activities without adequate protection are most at risk, particularly immune-compromised individuals.
“As cases of COVID are on the rise in the community, it’s important that residents continue to have access to COVID-19 vaccines,” said Mary Jo Vernon, director, Platte County Health Department in a release. “The health department is working to increase vaccine rates across Platte County by offering additional opportunities to receive the COVID vaccine. The vaccine is one of the best measures to reduce the impact and spread of COVID.”
As of Monday, July 12 — the most recent numbers available at press time — Platte County’s positivity rate for the 14 days prior had again risen to 20 percent. Platte County peaked in January with a positivity rate of about 40 percent. In May, the rate fell to about 3 percent.
The COVID-19 vaccines have been proven to significantly reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalization and death. With this in mind, the Platte County Health Department has scheduled vaccination clinics for area residents, aged 12 and over every other Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the health department’s Platte City location, 212 Marshall Road, on the lower level of the building. Dates for upcoming clinics will be July 23, Aug. 6 and Aug. 20 and Sept. 3.
The events will be available as a walk-in clinic and is being offered free of charge. Registration can be completed ahead of time online or at the time of the vaccine. First and second doses of Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson will be available. If receiving second dose, individuals should bring their immunization card.
The region’s public health departments strongly recommend that residents take precautions to protect themselves and others in their community. Unvaccinated individuals should wear a mask while visiting indoor public places, in crowded outdoor settings, and for activities with close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated.
Be aware that people with underlying medical conditions may not be able to receive full protection from the vaccine and that children younger than 12 are not yet eligible for vaccination. These populations are vulnerable to being exposed to COVID-19.
Both vaccinated and unvaccinated residents should exercise caution.
Currently, only 40% of Missourians are fully vaccinated. Please assume that 1 in 2 people in any crowd or gathering may be unvaccinated. If you do not know the vaccination status of those around you, resume social distancing of at least 6 feet.
If unvaccinated, being in crowds like restaurants, bars, fitness centers, or movie theaters puts you at a higher risk for COVID-19. Avoid indoor spaces that do not offer fresh air from the outdoors as much as possible.
Additionally, continue practicing good hand hygiene by washing hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.
Health departments urge people to stay home if they’re sick and to seek testing if they develop any symptoms of COVID-19, including mild symptoms similar to a cold or allergies.
Individuals with underlying medical conditions should get fully vaccinated as soon as possible and wear masks when around persons of unknown vaccination status.