During a press conference on March 30, 2022, Governor Mike Parson announced an end to the COVID-19 crisis in Missouri and that the state will be shifting to an endemic phase of the pandemic on Friday, April 1, 2022.
What does this mean? A lot has changed since the beginning of the pandemic. We have many tools we did not have before – including vaccinations, tests and treatment. In addition, much of the population has some level of immunity – many have been vaccinated or previously had COVID. All of these tools combined have reduced the severity of illness moving forward.
With that said, Atchison County Health Department will continue to monitor and conduct surveillance for COVID-19 and monitor for increasing trends or changes that could indicate some concerns so that appropriate control measures can be implemented to ensure we stay safe.
COVID-19 CASES
No new COVID-19 cases were reported during the week of March 28, 2022 through April 3, 2022. As of April 3, 2022, there have been 1,438 total cases and 24 deaths reported in Atchison County. There are currently no active cases and no active COVID-19 hospitalizations in our local hospital.
Atchison County’s current 7-day testing positivity rate (PCR and antigen) is 0% and the CDC COVID-19 Community Level is low.
COVID VACCINE UPDATES
Atchison County Health Department received the standing orders for the second COVID-19 vaccine booster dose.
The following individuals may receive a second COVID-19 booster dose at least four months after their first booster:
• Individuals ages 50+
• Moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals ages 12+
• Janssen (J&J) vaccine recipients who also received a Janssen booster
Call 660-736-4121 to make an appointment or walk-ins are available on Tuesdays & Thursdays.
Locations for COVID vaccine in Atchison County include:
Atchison County Health Department, Tarkio: Appointments available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call 660-736-4121 for an appointment.
Rogers Pharmacy, Tarkio: Call 660-736-5512 for an appointment.
Stoner Drug, Rock Port: Call 660-744-2433 for an appointment.
COVID-19 TESTING
Atchison County Health Department will continue to have rapid antigen testing available.
The health department also has PCR tests and can receive results within 24 hours. Call for an appointment.
FLU SHOTS STILL AVAILABLE
Getting an annual flu vaccine is the first and best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu. Everyone six months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every season. Atchison County Health Department has flu vaccine available for children and adults. Appointments are available on Monday through Thursday.
