Full Notification

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 4, 2020
 
COVID-19 EXTREME RISK ADVISORY IN LINCOLN COUNTY, MO
ADDITIONAL MITIGATION MEASURES BEING CONSIDERED

Lincoln County, MO- According to the newest guidance release by the State of Missouri, Lincoln County is under an Extreme Risk Advisory for COVID-19.
Criteria for county:

• PCR 7-day positivity rate: 15% or above (using CDC method), and
• 7-day case rate per 100k: 350 or above

According to this advisory from the state, business occupancy should be reflective of social distancing, and social groups should be limited to 10 or less. Masks are strongly advised in all offices and businesses when distancing is not possible. Communities can move down in risk category after two consecutive weeks of meeting the lower category’s criteria. The full advisory from the State of Missouri can be found here: https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/novel-coronavirus/pdf/advisory-20201119.pdf

As of December 4^th, 2020, our 7-day positivity rate according to the Show Me Strong Dashboard is 28.2%. The 7-day case rate per 100k is 351. Our metrics have consistently been in this range. This information can be found on the Show Me Strong Recovery Dashboard at: https://showmestrong.mo.gov/data/statewide-public-health/

Local metrics (such as hospital capacity, long term care outbreaks, number of incoming cases) along with these state metrics are being taken under consideration for potential mitigation measures. Measures being considered include a mask mandate. If metrics do not significantly improve over the next week, Lincoln County Health Department will take steps to implement additional mitigation measures. 

Once more, we are urging ALL Lincoln County residents to take steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community. For the past 9 months our staff and other essential workers have worked tirelessly but we need the assistance of everyone in the community.

If we do not slow the spread of the virus immediately, our health care systems will be overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients. Some regional hospitals are already stretched to the limit. This poses a significant risk not only to those suffering from COVID-19, our first responders, and those working in our healthcare systems, but to anyone requiring health care. When hospitals are overwhelmed it makes access to care difficult for everyone, not just COVID-19 patients.

We sincerely thank all residents who have taken steps to slow the spread, and we especially thank all essential workers, businesses, healthcare workers, first responders, and teachers for their efforts.

The willingness of ALL community members to participate in mitigation strategies has a direct impact on our ability keep the rest of our community healthy and thriving. We must work together.

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