Springfield, Mo. (KY3) – Local health officials worry that the area may not be as large as it should be in the wake of 10 more new coronavirus deaths just two days after the new month.
Just two days into October, the Springfield-Green County Health Department announced an additional six COVID-19 deaths on Friday. This brings the total number of Green Counties to 87 since the epidemic began.
Goddard, director of Health Clay, said earlier in the week that additional action in the area may be needed to ensure the sector does not move backwards.
“I have a strong belief that we should not want to move away from 2020, we need to take action now, and move forward as a region,” Goddard said at a news conference earlier this week.
He said new trends may require some personal responsibility and policy changes, including some business limitations and physical distance rules.
“Our hospitals are close to capacity and we are fast approaching the flu season,” Gaddard said. “We are in an inadvisable situation. And we as individuals, as organizations and as communities, have to start behaving like we are in the midst of an epidemic again.”
The county reported 47 deaths in September, more than half of its total count.
According to the health department, the average age of those who died from Covid-19 during September has decreased. The average age has dropped from 80.3 in the first half of the month (Sept. 1-16) to 77.7 in the last half (Sept. 17-30).
Catherine Wall, a spokeswoman for the Springfield-Green County Health Department, said part of the issues involved masking.
“People don’t tend to wear masks around people they know and trust,” he said. “Masking is not a matter of trust. It’s not something we people should think about who he is around you. “
Wall Lay said that often includes close friends or family members who live outside the home.
Instead, Wall Lay said it’s an issue that you or others can highlight. That said, many times, people often forget that they may not be able to show symptoms right away, possibly showing up to someone else without ever knowing.
“The misconception I’ve heard about is, ‘Well I don’t look sick today, so I shouldn’t be cowardly so I’m fine.'” He said. “One of the hardest things about this illness is that you actually get infected for two days before you actually have symptoms. So you can inadvertently give this to your loved ones, your co-workers and your friends without knowing your illness. And then develop symptoms after two days. “
Goddard said in some cases local leaders may need to take further action.
“I want to challenge local leaders who are not using mitigation strategies to keep a second eye on their data,” he said. Is this what we continue to live in Southwest Missouri? “
The health department shared recommendations and data with local hospitals with the city. City leaders will take up the issue on Monday and any further action.
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