January 20, 2022
Kirksville, MO 1/20/22 – As the Adair County COVID-19 overall case count hit 5,183 and 49 deaths today, the federal government is offering free rapid home test kits to every U.S. household. Vaccines, boosters, mask-wearing, and testing are critical to reducing the spread of COVID-19.
It takes seconds to place an order for the 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 49th death and 47 new cases were confirmed today by the Health Department. An unvaccinated 80-year-old male whose case was reported Dec. 22, 2021, died Jan. 19, 2022. Also, among today’s cases is a 74-year-old unvaccinated male admitted to Northeast Regional Medical Center. Nine cases are in the K-12 schools sector, three are in the higher education sector and one is an employee at a skilled nursing facility. Fifteen cases are breakthrough infections.
Females are ages 10 months, 3, 11, 12, 14, two age 15, 17, 21, 23, 26, 27, two age 31, 32, 34, three age 35, two age 36, 37, 44, 46, 60, 66 and 72.
Males are ages 3, 5, 6, 14, three age 19, 20, two age 21, 23, 27, 32, 35, 43, 44, 50, 63, 70 and 74.
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.
