COVID-19 cases are decreasing across Missouri — but not in these three counties
Though COVID-19 cases continue to decline across Missouri, three counties are seeing a rise in cases.
Bates, Henry and Vernon counties have seen a 38% increase in cases, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. The spike in cases has not affected hospitalizations in the region.
In Missouri, 49% of the population has been fully vaccinated. But in Bates, Henry and Vernon counties, the percentage is much lower.
In Bates County, about 35% of the population has been fully vaccinated. In Henry County, that number is 39%. And in Vernon County, it’s 30%. Health officials have continually said that the vaccine is the best tool to defeat the pandemic.
Forty-three people have died of COVID-19 in Bates County since the start of the pandemic; 49 people have died in Henry County; and 64 people have died in Vernon County. Across Missouri, 11,950 people have died from COVID-19.
This story was originally published October 22, 2021 at 11:31 AM.
