Sallin urges caution in light of new CDC mask guidelines

By Neal A. Johnson, UD Editor
Posted 5/19/21

BY NEAL A. Johnson

UD Editor

thor65018@yahoo.com

LINN — Osage County Health Department (OCHD) Administrator Kim Sallin on Tuesday said that with another three cases, bringing the overall …

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Sallin urges caution in light of new CDC mask guidelines

Posted

BY NEAL A. Johnson

UD Editor

thor65018@yahoo.com

LINN — Osage County Health Department (OCHD) Administrator Kim Sallin on Tuesday said that with another three cases, bringing the overall total to 1,714, and active cases at nine, it is still recommended to be vigilant despite the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) relaxation of mask mandates.

“Anyone who is fully vaccinated is no longer required to wear a mask but if you’re not sure about those around you, I believe you should still mask up,” she said, noting that four fully vaccinated people in Osage County have contracted COVID. “Even with the vaccine, you can still get and transmit the virus so it’s important. Never assume that an unmasked person has been vaccinated. Many who objected to wearing a mask are the same people who object to being vaccinated so you just never know.”

Sallin added that with more events being scheduled and things opening up, and the increase in the number of cases seen in the last two weeks, it behooves everyone to be cautious. “We certainly don’t want to be caught off guard and see another spike in cases,” she said.

OCHD staff on Monday provided 25 doses at Westphalia and administered 40 doses at the May 14 walk-in clinic at the Annex Building.

On Thursday, from 3-6 p.m., a clinic will be offered at the fire station in Meta, and from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, another clinic will be held at the Annex Building. Pfizer will only be available upon request but the vaccine has now been approved for everyone ages 12 and older.

According to state records, 26.5% of Osage County residents have initiated vaccination while 23.8% have completed the process.