The Atchison County Health Department reports one case of COVID-19 was reported in Atchison County May 24-31 (a male, age 70-79), and no cases reported from May 24 to June 7. As of June, there have been 460 total cases and 13 deaths. There are no active cases and no COVID-19 hospitalizations in our local hospital. The current seven-day testing positivity rate is 0%.
COVID-19 TESTING
The Atchison County Health Department is able to perform free COVID-19 rapid testing. Testing is by appointment only. Call 660-736-4121.
COVID VACCINE
UPDATES
As of June 7, 2021, Atchison County is ranked fourth in the state with 37% of residents completing vaccinations and ranked sixth in the state with 40% of residents receiving at least one COVID vaccine dose. A total of 3,627 doses have been given in Atchison County.
COVID-19 Vaccine
for 12- to 17-year-olds
Adolescents ages 12-17 years are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine and require the Pfizer vaccine.
Ages 18+ can receive Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson.
Atchison County Health Department is taking a list of those interested in the Pfizer vaccine. Call 660-736-4121 to inquire. The Pfizer vaccine requires special storage and handling.
COVID-19 Vaccine
Atchison County Health Department has Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines available. If you are interested, call 660-736-4121 to make an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome.
To find a COVID-19 vaccine near you, go to www.vaccines.gov and type in your zip code. You can also narrow the search down by type of vaccine and search radius.
ONE BENEFIT OF GETTING THE COVID-19 VACCINE
Fully vaccinated people can refrain from quarantine following a known exposure if asymptomatic.
COVID-19 REPORTS
The Community Partner reports from the Atchison County Health Department will now move to a monthly report. The health department will continue to report information in a timely manner.
Reliable information may be accessed online via: https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/novel-coronavirus or https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
Free at-home COVID-19 tests now available to Missouri residents
At-home tests that check for presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, are now available for free to Missouri residents. A Missourian choosing this testing option will order the free testing kit online and the kit will be delivered to the home in two days. The kit is good for six months and comes with easy-to-follow instructions. Once the individual performs the collection by nasal swab, the testing kit needs to be returned to a FedEx collection site within 24 hours. Shipping is also free. Test results are then provided via email within two days. This test was authorized for emergency use by the FDA.
Testing remains a key tool to keeping Missourians safe. Testing is not only for those who are symptomatic, but important for periodic surveillance especially when interacting with vulnerable populations and crowds. Many camps, events, and travel now require evidence of a negative test result before participation.
A COVID-19 test is a one-time assessment, and will only show if the individual is infected at the time of the test. For those experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, testing is highly recommended. Those who have had significant contact with someone with confirmed COVID-19 should also consider being tested.
Community testing events provide another free testing option, and these events are continuing throughout the state. Learn more about free at-home testing kits and community testing events at health.mo.gov/communitytest.
