The Platte County Health Department issued an update on distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine this week.
On Monday, Jan. 11, the health department announced the department is currently vaccinating those in “phase 1A” of the Missouri distribution plan, which includes resident and employees of long-term care facilities, healthcare workers who interact with patients and emergency medical personnel.
There is currently no list for the general public to sign up for a COVID-19 vaccine, no matter the age or medical condition of the person.
Announcements about vaccine availability will be made online at plattecountyhealthdept.com and through traditional and social media. Updates will include dates, times and locations.
As of Tuesday, Jan. 12, the health department announced a total of 5,845 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Platte County. Of those, 2,716 are residents of Platte County outside of the City of Kansas City. Deaths in unincorporated Platte County, Platte City, Parkville and other smaller municipalities stand at 28, with 113 patients hospitalized with COVID. Another 1,537 have been released from isolation.
According to Kansas City Health Department, as of Jan. 12, the number of COVID-19 deaths of Platte County residents in Kansas City is 58.
The rolling totals of new cases in the county remains high, according to data on the health department website. The county’s positivity rate as of Tuesday was at 19.53 percent, meaning for every 100 people tested, nearly 20 were positive.
Effective this month, the health department no longer offers free COVID tests. A cash or credit card payment of $100 is required prior to testing. Those both with and without symptoms can be tested.
After a call for volunteers last week, the department also announced it currently has enough volunteers for future mass vaccination clinics. If and when the need for more volunteers arises, the health department will make an announcement.