CLAYTON 鈥 狐狸视频 County health officials issued a warning Wednesday about a steep rise in COVID-19 cases going into the holidays.
The weekly average number of cases on Wednesday increased to 166 new cases a day 鈥 a 45% increase over the previous week, according to the 狐狸视频 County Department of Public Health.
鈥淭he increase underscores the critical need for action to curb the spread of the virus,鈥 the warning stated.
Officials urged residents to to mitigate spread, including staying up to date on vaccinations, wearing masks in indoor public places, practicing social distancing and washing hands often.
In addition, stay home if sick and take a COVID-19 test. Those who test positive for at least five days (day 1 being the first full day after symptoms started, or the first full day after taking the test if symptom-free). If you still have a fever, continue isolating until fever-free for 24 hours.
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鈥淎s we approach the holiday season, it is essential to exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines,鈥 officials stated. 鈥淐onsider celebrating with smaller gatherings, opting for virtual meetups, and staying informed about the latest health recommendations.鈥
Statewide, the number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 has also increased, from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In Missouri during the week ending Nov. 25, data shows 518 people were admitted to hospitals with COVID-19 鈥 the highest since the week ending Jan. 21 of this year, and an increase of nearly 39% from the 374 admitted two weeks prior.
Nationwide over the same time period, the weekly number of patients admitted with COVID-19 to hospitals increased 17% 鈥 from 16,609 to 19,444, according to the CDC.
The spread of influenza remains low so far this season in Missouri. from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services through Nov. 25 shows 57 people were admitted to hospitals with the flu that week. And less than 2% of emergency department visits were for flu-like illnesses.
Everyone 6 months of age and older is recommended to get an annual influenza vaccine as well as approved earlier this fall. The updated COVID-19 vaccine made by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna or Novavax more closely targets the latest variants and could restore waning protection against severe COVID-19.
The 狐狸视频 County Department of Public Health Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. at the John C. Murphy Health Center in Berkeley, the North Central Community Health Center in Pine Lawn, and the South County Health Center in Sunset Hills.
Those with health insurance are asked to bring their insurance card, but the health department will serve all residents, regardless of their ability to pay.