January 22, 2022

Kirksville, MO 1/22/22 – The Adair County Health Department confirmed 78 new COVID-19 cases Friday, Jan. 21. The overall case count is now 5,261.

Among the cases are nine in the K-12 schools sector and six in the higher education sector. Twenty cases have been verified as breakthrough infections.

Females include those ages 2, 5, 8, 13, 15, 16, 18, two age 19, three age 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31, 34, 36, 41, 42, 44, 45, 47, 48, three age 51, 53, 56, two age 59, 60, 63, 69, 73 and 76.

Males include two age 3, 5, 7, two age 8, two age 18, two age 19, two age 21, two age 22, 26, 27, 32, 36, 37, two age 38, 39, 41, 46, 49, 51, two age 52, 53, 61, two age 62, 65, two age 68, 69, 73, 77 and 78.

Residents are encouraged to order rapid antigen home test kits online at covidtests.gov. There is currently a limit of four tests per household which is what is shipped automatically, regardless of household size. Similar rapid antigen home tests are available at pharmacies in Adair County. A Biden Administration rule directs insurance companies to reimburse their insureds the cost of purchasing home tests.

There is no charge for the set of four tests ordered via the government website.  Requesters are only required to type in their name, address, and email. Orders should ship within seven to 12 days.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people use the home test if they experience any symptoms of COVID-19, if they have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, or before they gather with a group of people. Test results are available in less than 30 minutes, so taking the test the day you plan to gather is recommended.

The tests detect a certain protein linked to COVID-19. If the test results are positive, you should isolate immediately and follow CDC guidelines. You should contact those you might have exposed so they can quarantine and get tested. If the rapid test results are negative, the likelihood of you transmitting the virus is very small.

The Adair County Health Department recommends that all county residents ages 5 and older get vaccinated against COVID-19 and all residents ages 16 and older get vaccinated and boosted. Vaccines are easily accessible, free, and continue to demonstrate that they prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death.

Adult vaccination clinics are scheduled for Tuesdays in January and pediatric vaccination clinics are scheduled for Thursdays in the month. An adult clinic is scheduled from 2-4 p.m., Jan. 25. A pediatric clinic is scheduled from 3-5 p.m., Jan. 27. Residents should call the Health Department at 660-665-8491 to schedule an appointment.