Osage County Health Department (OCHD) Deputy Administrator Kim Sallin reported Tuesday that the overall number of positive COVID cases has topped 1,500 at 1,539, while the number of active cases has gone down, from 50 last week to 42, though the latter figure is not completely accurate.
“I have been able to confirm positive test results from providers who administer tests but until they are logged into the state system, they are not officially counted,” she explained. “I know of at least 10 cases that fall into this category so next week, we will likely see an increase in the number of active cases.”
The good news, she said, is that schools are currently reporting very few cases, and the situation at General Baptist Nursing Home in Linn continues to improve. “Most residents are recovered,” said Sallin.
Of special concern to Sallin, however, is that while Linn canceled its homecoming dance, at least one homecoming party was held over the weekend at a private residence.
“Identifying contacts in school-age kids is difficult as it is,” said Sallin. “Add in parties with multiple school districts in which masks and social-distancing are not observed and it makes contact-tracing virtually impossible. These kinds of gatherings should be avoided right now.”
Moving forward, Sallin is preparing for additional vaccine clinics and reminds everyone that maximum protection against the coronavirus does not occur for a week or two after the second injection.
There is a 21-day wait between the first and second Pfizer shots, while the Moderna has a 28-day waiting period.
“The important thing to remember is that even after you’ve received the injections, it’s still possible to contract the virus and spread it, which means you still need to wear a mask and maintain proper social distance,” said Sallin.
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