Hillsboro, Missouri – The Jefferson County Health Department has issued a health advisory following significant increases in COVID-19 transmission in the community as the delta variant emerges. New cases of COVID-19 are increasing among people who are not immunized. Health officials say cases of COVID-19 among children and teens are spreading as they resume their activities without protection.

Over the past two weeks, the number of new cases in Jefferson County has risen from 59 to 84, an increase of 42%. The highest number of cases was recorded during week 25 in our 10-19 year age group.

Health officials say they are concerned about the increase in COVID rates before the study begins because it takes about five weeks for them to be fully vaccinated.

Officials say only 10.8 percent of children ages 10 to 19 in Jefferson County have received a full vaccine. The Ministry of Health says that young people face two obstacles, they need a parent to drive them to the clinic and sign for vaccination.

Chelsea Chisholm of House Springs said, “Yeah, I’m a mother of three. I mean, I think everyone should be vaccinated.”

“I’m in the band, so we travel a lot. When I get the chance, I’d like to get vaccinated, so we don’t have to worry too much when we travel,” said Christina Cresson, 15.

The Ministry of Health says unvaccinated children and adults should wear masks and practice social distancing. About 29 percent of the county’s population has been fully vaccinated.

The authorities say the best way to stop the spread of COVID-19 is through vaccination. You can check the files Jefferson County Health Department website The vaccination site closest to you.

Jefferson County Health Department Health Recommendations:

• Wear a face covering in enclosed public places when there are other people around, even if you have been vaccinated. We recommend removing masks only when you know the vaccination status of everyone in your area.
• Assume that one in three people in any crowd or gathering may not be vaccinated and remember that all children under the age of 12 will not be vaccinated and will be exposed to COVID-19 in crowds. We do not recommend children or unvaccinated residents to participate in large crowds and gatherings.
• Protect children under the age of 12 while they participate in school, camp and other areas of their normal lives. They can be exposed to other unvaccinated adults and children, and outbreaks among children in these places are becoming more common. Masks, social distancing and hand washing are highly recommended to protect children in these activities.
• Wear a face covering in enclosed public places when there are other people around, even if you have been vaccinated. We recommend removing masks only when you know the vaccination status of everyone in your area.
• Assume that one in three people in any crowd or gathering may not be vaccinated and remember that all children under the age of 12 will not be vaccinated and will be exposed to COVID-19 in crowds. We do not recommend children or unvaccinated residents to participate in large crowds and gatherings.
• Protect children under the age of 12 while they participate in school, camp and other areas of their normal lives. They can be exposed to other unvaccinated adults and children, and outbreaks among children in these places are becoming more common. Masks, social distancing and hand washing are highly recommended to protect children in these activities.