NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. government researchers found that two masks are better than one in slowing coronavirus spread, but health officials stopped short of recommending that everyone double up.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday reported the results of a lab experiment that spaced two artificial heads 6 feet from each other and checked to see how many coronavirus-sized particles spewed by one were inhaled by the other.

The researchers found that wearing one mask — surgical or cloth — blocked around 40% of the particles coming toward the head that was breathing in. When a cloth mask was worn on top of a surgical mask, about 80% were blocked.

When both the exhaling and inhaling heads were double-masked, more than 95% of the particles were blocked, said the CDC’s Dr. John Brooks.

“The first challenge is to get as many as people as possible masking. And then for those that do mask, to help them get the best benefit out of that mask,” Brooks said.

The study had many limitations: The researchers used one brand of surgical mask and one kind of cloth mask, and it's not clear if results would be the same with every product. But it echoes some earlier research that suggests two masks are better than one.

The CDC also was updating its guidance to address wearing two masks. If done correctly, a cloth mask worn over a surgical mask can tighten the gaps around the mask's edges that can let virus particles in, the CDC said.

The agency also said it was taking down a do-it-yourself page, which went up last year when masks were in short supply and the CDC was encouraging people to take steps to interrupt viral transmission.

Some Americans have already started doubling up. Experts believe that's at least partly out of concern about new strains of coronavirus that have been found to spread more easily than the one that has driven the U.S. epidemic for the past year.

CDC guidance has evolved over the course of the epidemic.

Mask-wearing has long been common in some countries during respiratory outbreaks, especially in parts of Asia, but not in the United States.

When the COVID-19 crisis began and masks disappeared from store shelves, U.S. health officials actively discouraged the general public from wearing them. “Seriously people - STOP BUYING MASKS!” then-Surgeon General Jerome Adams wrote in a tweet almost a year ago.

Two months later, after it became clear that infected people who did not exhibit symptoms could spread the virus, the CDC began recommending people wear masks in public.

Mask-wearing increased and some places enforced mask mandates, but many Americans continue not to wear them. A recent University of California survey suggested that only about half of U.S. adults wear masks when in close contact with people outside their household.

Discussions about double-masking and higher-quality masks are important, said Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases scientist at the University of Toronto.

“But if a significant proportion of your populations isn't wearing a mask in the first place, then you're having the wrong conversation,” he added.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. government researchers found that two masks are better than one in slowing coronavirus spread, but health officials stopped short of recommending that everyone double up.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday reported the results of a lab experiment that spaced two artificial heads 6 feet from each other and checked to see how many coronavirus-sized particles spewed by one were inhaled by the other.The researchers found that wearing one mask — surgical or cloth — blocked around 40% of the particles coming toward the head that was breathing in. When a cloth mask was worn on top of a surgical mask, about 80% were blocked.When both the exhaling and inhaling heads were double-masked, more than 95% of the particles were blocked, said the CDC’s Dr. John Brooks.“The first challenge is to get as many as people as possible masking. And then for those that do mask, to help them get the best benefit out of that mask,” Brooks said.The study had many limitations: The researchers used one brand of surgical mask and one kind of cloth mask, and it's not clear if results would be the same with every product. But it echoes some earlier research that suggests two masks are better than one.“It works,” Brooks said.The CDC also was updating its guidance to address wearing two masks. If done correctly, a cloth mask worn over a surgical mask can tighten the gaps around the mask's edges that can let virus particles in, the CDC said.The agency also said it was taking down a do-it-yourself page, which went up last year when masks were in short supply and the CDC was encouraging people to take steps to interrupt viral transmission.Some Americans have already started doubling up. Experts believe that's at least partly out of concern about new strains of coronavirus that have been found to spread more easily than the one that has driven the U.S. epidemic for the past year.CDC guidance has evolved over the course of the epidemic.Mask-wearing has long been common in some countries during respiratory outbreaks, especially in parts of Asia, but not in the United States.When the COVID-19 crisis began and masks disappeared from store shelves, U.S. health officials actively discouraged the general public from wearing them. “Seriously people - STOP BUYING MASKS!” then-Surgeon General Jerome Adams wrote in a tweet almost a year ago.Two months later, after it became clear that infected people who did not exhibit symptoms could spread the virus, the CDC began recommending people wear masks in public.Mask-wearing increased and some places enforced mask mandates, but many Americans continue not to wear them. A recent University of California survey suggested that only about half of U.S. adults wear masks when in close contact with people outside their household.Discussions about double-masking and higher-quality masks are important, said Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases scientist at the University of Toronto.“But if a significant proportion of your populations isn't wearing a mask in the first place, then you're having the wrong conversation,” he added.

CDC updates coronavirus face mask guidance

St. Joseph health officials report just eight new cases of COVID-19 in Buchanan County Wednesday.

There have been 9,897 total cases in the county since the pandemic began, resulting in 157 fatalities. There hasn't been a COVID-related death in Buchanan County yet this week.

Local COVID-19 hospitalizations remain low. Mosaic Life Care reports just 14 COVID patients in its system - all are being treated in the St. Joseph hospital.

Andrew County reports four new cases of COVID-19 for a total of 1,953. They've also reported 20 virus-related fatalities.

Missouri reports an additional 867 cases (468,189 total) and 13 new deaths (7,161 total).

Since Monday, Kansas has reported 1,934 new cases (284,984 total) and 106 new deaths (4,303 total). Over 8,800 Kansans are hospitalized due to COVID complications.

Doniphan County reported 920 cases, Atchison County, KS reports 1,492 and Brown County reports 1,188 total cases of COVID-19.

More local and regional news on the coronavirus pandemic <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/category/coronavirus-update">here</a>.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials report just eight new cases of COVID-19 in Buchanan County Wednesday.There have been 9,897 total cases in the county since the pandemic began, resulting in 157 fatalities. There hasn't been a COVID-related death in Buchanan County yet this week.Local COVID-19 hospitalizations remain low. Mosaic Life Care reports just 14 COVID patients in its system - all are being treated in the St. Joseph hospital.Andrew County reports four new cases of COVID-19 for a total of 1,953. They've also reported 20 virus-related fatalities.Missouri reports an additional 867 cases (468,189 total) and 13 new deaths (7,161 total).Since Monday, Kansas has reported 1,934 new cases (284,984 total) and 106 new deaths (4,303 total). Over 8,800 Kansans are hospitalized due to COVID complications.Doniphan County reported 920 cases, Atchison County, KS reports 1,492 and Brown County reports 1,188 total cases of COVID-19.More local and regional news on the coronavirus pandemic <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/category/coronavirus-update">here</a>.

COVID-19 update - eight new cases in Buchanan County, hospitalizations steady

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A virulent strain of the coronavirus that first appeared in Kansas in a Fort Hays State University athlete hasn’t spread widely among the student’s friends, although wastewater samples in the community have raised concerns, health officials say.

Officials sent a mobile lab to Hays after the variant that is wreaking havoc in the United Kingdom was detected last week during routine testing of athletes at the school, said Dr. Lee Norman, head of the state health department, Tuesday during a webcast with doctors at the University of Kansas Health System.

But he said only one of the 200 contacts or potential contacts of the student-athlete who were tested were positive for COVID-19. Officials are trying to determine whether that person has the same strain as the student-athlete. The results are expected later this week.

“On balance, I think everything came out pretty well,” Norman said. “Of course there is a long time before we can breath a sigh of relief in this particular county. And we are still doing more testing.”

Norman said the variant was uncovered one week after sewage samples tested in Ellis County, where the university is located, showed an uptick in genomic fragments of the virus. The state has been testing sewage samples for months to get a sense for where the virus is spreading.

“It is an early indicator when the wastewater starts up ticking in terms of the amount of viral particles then we can look in a more detailed manner in that community,” he said.

He said the state had doubled its genomic sequencing capability and will be testing about3 50 samples from all over the state every week.

He said the state has been seeing the number of new cases, deaths and hospitalizations fall in recent weeks as the vaccine rollout gets underway. As of Monday, the health department reported that 8% of the state’s population had been vaccinated. Almost 304,000 doses had been administered, or 73% of the 413,000 doses sent to Kansas by the federal government.

But Norman said the real number of vaccinations is actually higher and blamed the problem in part on what he described as a clunky system for inputting data.

“We know that, for example, six counties account for about 100,000 of the doses that have been given,” he said. “And I want to emphasize have been given that are just not recorded in our data systems yet.”

Norman said 82% of residents of skilled nursing and assisted living facilities in the state had received at least their first round of vaccine. He said the federal government had begun shipping vaccines directly to several dozen retail pharmacies in the state this week, although not in large amounts so far.

But he said that for a normal summer, where people could safely attend weddings and other large community gatherings, the amount of vaccine will need to increase dramatically.

With multiple new vaccines on the horizon, that won’t remain a problem indefinitely, said Dr. Steve Stites, the chief medical officer at the University of Kansas Health System.

“If we boil it down, people are mad, people are angry,” Stites said. “But the real problem is there is just not enough vaccine and as we ramp up the next problem is going to be the logistics to give that much vaccine and get it all entered into the database, which we’ve got to clean up.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612878873265.png" alt="Virus variant map image GSAID" />
 <figcaption>Virus variant map image GSAID</figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A virulent strain of the coronavirus that first appeared in Kansas in a Fort Hays State University athlete hasn’t spread widely among the student’s friends, although wastewater samples in the community have raised concerns, health officials say.Officials sent a mobile lab to Hays after the variant that is wreaking havoc in the United Kingdom was detected last week during routine testing of athletes at the school, said Dr. Lee Norman, head of the state health department, Tuesday during a webcast with doctors at the University of Kansas Health System.But he said only one of the 200 contacts or potential contacts of the student-athlete who were tested were positive for COVID-19. Officials are trying to determine whether that person has the same strain as the student-athlete. The results are expected later this week.“On balance, I think everything came out pretty well,” Norman said. “Of course there is a long time before we can breath a sigh of relief in this particular county. And we are still doing more testing.”Norman said the variant was uncovered one week after sewage samples tested in Ellis County, where the university is located, showed an uptick in genomic fragments of the virus. The state has been testing sewage samples for months to get a sense for where the virus is spreading.“It is an early indicator when the wastewater starts up ticking in terms of the amount of viral particles then we can look in a more detailed manner in that community,” he said.He said the state had doubled its genomic sequencing capability and will be testing about3 50 samples from all over the state every week.He said the state has been seeing the number of new cases, deaths and hospitalizations fall in recent weeks as the vaccine rollout gets underway. As of Monday, the health department reported that 8% of the state’s population had been vaccinated. Almost 304,000 doses had been administered, or 73% of the 413,000 doses sent to Kansas by the federal government.But Norman said the real number of vaccinations is actually higher and blamed the problem in part on what he described as a clunky system for inputting data.“We know that, for example, six counties account for about 100,000 of the doses that have been given,” he said. “And I want to emphasize have been given that are just not recorded in our data systems yet.”Norman said 82% of residents of skilled nursing and assisted living facilities in the state had received at least their first round of vaccine. He said the federal government had begun shipping vaccines directly to several dozen retail pharmacies in the state this week, although not in large amounts so far.But he said that for a normal summer, where people could safely attend weddings and other large community gatherings, the amount of vaccine will need to increase dramatically.With multiple new vaccines on the horizon, that won’t remain a problem indefinitely, said Dr. Steve Stites, the chief medical officer at the University of Kansas Health System.“If we boil it down, people are mad, people are angry,” Stites said. “But the real problem is there is just not enough vaccine and as we ramp up the next problem is going to be the logistics to give that much vaccine and get it all entered into the database, which we’ve got to clean up.”

No evidence of wide spread of virus variant so far in Kansas

St. Joseph health officials report just nine new cases of COVID-19 in Buchanan County Tuesday with no additional deaths.

The county has seen 9,889 total cases and 157 virus-related fatalities.

The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations at Mosaic Life Care continues to go down. There are just 15 patients being treated with COVID complications in the Mosaic system - all of whom are in St. Joseph.

Andrew County has reported no new cases or fatalities due to COVID-19 Tuesday. The county has seen 1,949 total cases and 20 fatalities due to virus complications.

Statewide, Missouri reports 649 new cases (467,313 total) and five new deaths (7,148 total) Tuesday.

Doniphan County, Kansas reports 918 total cases. Statewide, Kansas has reports 282,960 total cases and 4,197 total deaths related to COVID-19.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials report just nine new cases of COVID-19 in Buchanan County Tuesday with no additional deaths.The county has seen 9,889 total cases and 157 virus-related fatalities.The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations at Mosaic Life Care continues to go down. There are just 15 patients being treated with COVID complications in the Mosaic system - all of whom are in St. Joseph.Andrew County has reported no new cases or fatalities due to COVID-19 Tuesday. The county has seen 1,949 total cases and 20 fatalities due to virus complications.Statewide, Missouri reports 649 new cases (467,313 total) and five new deaths (7,148 total) Tuesday.Doniphan County, Kansas reports 918 total cases. Statewide, Kansas has reports 282,960 total cases and 4,197 total deaths related to COVID-19.

New COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations continue to drop in Buchanan County

The city of St. Joseph will have a mask mandate for at least another two months.

The St. Joseph City Council passed a resolution Monday night to extend the city's mask mandate by 60 days, which would stretch it just beyond Easter Sunday, which falls on April 4.

The mandate, which was first issued in July, was set to expire Sunday.

Mosaic Chief Medical Officer Dr. Davin Turner recommended the mandate be extended by 120 days into early June.

"It gets us out of flu season," Dr. Turner said. "It gives us the time to have vaccinated a much larger population along with those who've already had the illness. By then, we'd be in Tier 3 (of vaccinations) and it gets us past Memorial Day."

Phase 1b - Tier 3 in Missouri includes education and childcare workers, government employees, people working in the energy and communications sector and more.

Councilmember Kent O'Dell was the first to express interest in a 60-day extension, while councilmember P.J. Kovac made a motion to extend the mandate by just 30 days. Councilmember Gary Roach seconded.

"We need to give the public something positive to look at," Roach said. "I'd prefer zero, but I'd only go up to 30 at this point."

"I think 30 days (is good)," Novak said, "and then we can keep evaluating it as we move forward."

The motion to extend the mask mandate by just 30 days failed by a 5-4 vote.

Right after, councilmember Bryan Myers motioned to extend the mandate by 60 days. Councilmember Russel Moore seconded.

"If the medical community and health department say in 45 days from now we should extend it beyond the 60 days, I think we should do it at that point in time," Myers interjected.

The motion to extend the mask mandate by 60 days in St. Joseph passed with a 7-2 margin - Roach and councilmember Madison Davis were the dissenting votes.

The council then voted 5-4 on a resolution to resume in-person city council meetings immediately, with the next one set for Feb. 22.

This includes regular and special meetings.

Councilmembers Roach, Brenda Blessing, Kovac and Moore voted to keep meetings virtual.

Davis sponsored the resolution to resume in-person meetings at the city council chambers.

"There's times that we can discuss things in a special meeting or a regular city council meeting on Zoom, and there's times that we can't," Davis said. "Sometimes, it has to be an in-person meeting. We're doing a disservice to our citizens by postponing projects continuously.

"It's time for us to meet in person, show up, do the work we were elected to do and stop meeting virtually."

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/10/1570205199615.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph City Council meetings will resume in-person at the council chambers in city hall on Feb. 22." />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph City Council meetings will resume in-person at the council chambers in city hall on Feb. 22.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe city of St. Joseph will have a mask mandate for at least another two months.The St. Joseph City Council passed a resolution Monday night to extend the city's mask mandate by 60 days, which would stretch it just beyond Easter Sunday, which falls on April 4.The mandate, which was first issued in July, was set to expire Sunday.Mosaic Chief Medical Officer Dr. Davin Turner recommended the mandate be extended by 120 days into early June."It gets us out of flu season," Dr. Turner said. "It gives us the time to have vaccinated a much larger population along with those who've already had the illness. By then, we'd be in Tier 3 (of vaccinations) and it gets us past Memorial Day."Phase 1b - Tier 3 in Missouri includes education and childcare workers, government employees, people working in the energy and communications sector and more.Councilmember Kent O'Dell was the first to express interest in a 60-day extension, while councilmember P.J. Kovac made a motion to extend the mandate by just 30 days. Councilmember Gary Roach seconded."We need to give the public something positive to look at," Roach said. "I'd prefer zero, but I'd only go up to 30 at this point."Councilmember Marty Novak agreed."I think 30 days (is good)," Novak said, "and then we can keep evaluating it as we move forward."The motion to extend the mask mandate by just 30 days failed by a 5-4 vote.Right after, councilmember Bryan Myers motioned to extend the mandate by 60 days. Councilmember Russel Moore seconded."If the medical community and health department say in 45 days from now we should extend it beyond the 60 days, I think we should do it at that point in time," Myers interjected.The motion to extend the mask mandate by 60 days in St. Joseph passed with a 7-2 margin - Roach and councilmember Madison Davis were the dissenting votes.The council then voted 5-4 on a resolution to resume in-person city council meetings immediately, with the next one set for Feb. 22.This includes regular and special meetings.Councilmembers Roach, Brenda Blessing, Kovac and Moore voted to keep meetings virtual.Davis sponsored the resolution to resume in-person meetings at the city council chambers."There's times that we can discuss things in a special meeting or a regular city council meeting on Zoom, and there's times that we can't," Davis said. "Sometimes, it has to be an in-person meeting. We're doing a disservice to our citizens by postponing projects continuously."It's time for us to meet in person, show up, do the work we were elected to do and stop meeting virtually."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph City Council extends mask mandate by 60 days, will resume in-person meetings

St. Joseph health officials report 39 new cases of COVID-19 since Friday - 28 of those were reported Monday. There were no new COVID-related fatalities reported in Buchanan County over the weekend.

The county now reports 9,880 total cases, resulting in 157 fatalities. The positivity rate in Buchanan County has also dropped to 7.4 percent.

COVID-19 vaccinations continue to go up, with 7,138 Buchanan County residents getting their first dose and 5,548 of those receiving their second dose to date.

Meanwhile, Mosaic Life Care reports only 19 coronavirus patients in its system - all of whom are being treated in St. Joseph. 

Andrew County health officials report one new death, bringing its total to 20 with 1,949 total cases. Grundy County reports three additional deaths since Friday, putting their pandemic death toll at 39.

Doniphan County, Kansas reports 918 total cases - that’s up five since Friday. Statewide,&nbsp;Kansas has seen 1,398 new cases (282,960 total) and 96 (4,197 total) more deaths since Friday.

Missouri reports more than 2,220 new cases over the weekend (466,664 total) with an additional 13 fatalities (7,143 total).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611966312972.jpeg" alt="The former Gordman's at the East Hills Shopping Center has been transformed into a mass vaccination site. A little more than 100 people have been vaccinated per day at this site. Photo by Whitnee Ice." />
 <figcaption>The former Gordman's at the East Hills Shopping Center has been transformed into a mass vaccination site. A little more than 100 people have been vaccinated per day at this site. Photo by Whitnee Ice.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials report 39 new cases of COVID-19 since Friday - 28 of those were reported Monday. There were no new COVID-related fatalities reported in Buchanan County over the weekend.The county now reports 9,880 total cases, resulting in 157 fatalities. The positivity rate in Buchanan County has also dropped to 7.4 percent.COVID-19 vaccinations continue to go up, with 7,138 Buchanan County residents getting their first dose and 5,548 of those receiving their second dose to date.Meanwhile, Mosaic Life Care reports only 19 coronavirus patients in its system - all of whom are being treated in St. Joseph. Andrew County health officials report one new death, bringing its total to 20 with 1,949 total cases. Grundy County reports three additional deaths since Friday, putting their pandemic death toll at 39.Doniphan County, Kansas reports 918 total cases - that’s up five since Friday. Statewide,&nbsp;Kansas has seen 1,398 new cases (282,960 total) and 96 (4,197 total) more deaths since Friday.Missouri reports more than 2,220 new cases over the weekend (466,664 total) with an additional 13 fatalities (7,143 total).

Over 7,100 Buchanan County residents have gotten first dose of COVID vaccine to date

New cases and hospitalizations for COVID-19 continue to fall.

Mosaic Life Care reports only 19 coronavirus patients in its
system as of Sunday morning, all being treated in St. Joseph.

The St. Joseph Health Department reported only 24 new cases in
its last report on Friday. Buchanan County has recorded a total of 9,841 cases since the coronavirus pandemic began, resulting in 157 deaths.

Andrew County health officials report one new death, bringing
its total to 20 with 1,949 total cases.

Doniphan County, Kansas reports 913 total cases.

Missouri health officials report around 466,664 COVID-19
cases statewide with 7,143 deaths.

Kansas health officials report deaths statewide have exceeded
4,101 with 281,562 total cases.

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostNew cases and hospitalizations for COVID-19 continue to fall.Mosaic Life Care reports only 19 coronavirus patients in its
system as of Sunday morning, all being treated in St. Joseph.The St. Joseph Health Department reported only 24 new cases in
its last report on Friday. Buchanan County has recorded a total of 9,841 cases since the coronavirus pandemic began, resulting in 157 deaths.Andrew County health officials report one new death, bringing
its total to 20 with 1,949 total cases.Doniphan County, Kansas reports 913 total cases.Missouri health officials report around 466,664 COVID-19
cases statewide with 7,143 deaths.Kansas health officials report deaths statewide have exceeded
4,101 with 281,562 total cases.

New COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations continue to fall

Eligible members of the public who have no online means to register for the COVID-19 vaccine will soon be able to do so via phone.

Starting Monday, Feb. 8, people unable to register online can call 816-271-4613 to get signed up for a COVID-19 vaccine. Phones will be staffed Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. for registration.&nbsp;

Phones will not be answered prior to 8 a.m. Call volume may cause a slight delay.

When calling to register for the vaccine, people will need to give their name, address, the last four digits of their social security number and birthday.

St. Joseph health officials report 24 new cases of COVID-19 in Buchanan County Friday, but no new fatalities.

Mosaic Life Care reports 27 COVID-19 patients in its system, with all of those patients being treated in St. Joseph. The numbers were last updated Thursday.

Andrew County reports 10 new cases and one new death Friday. Their case total stands at 1,945 and the county's pandemic death toll stands at 20.

Statewide, Missouri reports 1,325 new COVID-19 cases (464,444 total) and 13 new deaths (7,130 total) on Friday.

Since Wednesday, Kansas has seen 2,647 new cases (281,562 total) and 206 new deaths (4,101 total). Over 8,600 Kansans are hospitalized due to COVID-19 complications.

Doniphan County reports 913 cases, Atchison County, KS reports 1,476 and Brown County reports 1,185 total cases of COVID-19.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostEligible members of the public who have no online means to register for the COVID-19 vaccine will soon be able to do so via phone.Starting Monday, Feb. 8, people unable to register online can call 816-271-4613 to get signed up for a COVID-19 vaccine. Phones will be staffed Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. for registration.&nbsp;Phones will not be answered prior to 8 a.m. Call volume may cause a slight delay.When calling to register for the vaccine, people will need to give their name, address, the last four digits of their social security number and birthday.St. Joseph health officials report 24 new cases of COVID-19 in Buchanan County Friday, but no new fatalities.Mosaic Life Care reports 27 COVID-19 patients in its system, with all of those patients being treated in St. Joseph. The numbers were last updated Thursday.Andrew County reports 10 new cases and one new death Friday. Their case total stands at 1,945 and the county's pandemic death toll stands at 20.Statewide, Missouri reports 1,325 new COVID-19 cases (464,444 total) and 13 new deaths (7,130 total) on Friday.Since Wednesday, Kansas has seen 2,647 new cases (281,562 total) and 206 new deaths (4,101 total). Over 8,600 Kansans are hospitalized due to COVID-19 complications.Doniphan County reports 913 cases, Atchison County, KS reports 1,476 and Brown County reports 1,185 total cases of COVID-19.

City of St. Joseph, Mosaic Life Care announce COVID vaccine phone registration

TOPEKA —The state's COVID-19<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas"> case update Friday i</a>ncluded the death of a 6-year-old, according to the Kansas Department of Health.

This is the youngest virus death reported in Kansas. The child died in November and the death certificate was finalized this week, connecting the death to COVID-19.

Due to patient privacy laws, KDHE provided no further details about the death of the child.

According to the KHDE, a COVID-19 death is any person who dies and their death certificate lists COVID-19 or SARS-CO-V-2 as the underlying cause of death or a significant contributing factor to death.

The state's virus death toll topped 4100 Friday with the addition of of 206 additional deaths linked to COVID-19

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612552423695.png" alt="<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">KDHE image</a>&nbsp;Friday February 5, 2021" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">KDHE image</a>&nbsp;Friday February 5, 2021</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —The state's COVID-19<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas"> case update Friday i</a>ncluded the death of a 6-year-old, according to the Kansas Department of Health.This is the youngest virus death reported in Kansas. The child died in November and the death certificate was finalized this week, connecting the death to COVID-19.Due to patient privacy laws, KDHE provided no further details about the death of the child.According to the KHDE, a COVID-19 death is any person who dies and their death certificate lists COVID-19 or SARS-CO-V-2 as the underlying cause of death or a significant contributing factor to death.The state's virus death toll topped 4100 Friday with the addition of of 206 additional deaths linked to COVID-19<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612551327421.png" alt="Friday February 5, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday February 5, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE reports death of 6-year-old due to COVID-19

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 2647 to a total of 281,562, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4101 an increase of 206.

Friday's COVID-19 case update, includes the death of 6-year-old connected to COVID-19, according to the Kansas Department of Health.

This is the youngest death reported in Kansas. The individual died in November and the death certificate was finalized this week, connecting the death to COVID-19.

 Due to patient privacy laws, KDHE provided no further details about the death of the child.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 2647 to a total of 281,562, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 4101 an increase of 206.Friday's COVID-19 case update, includes the death of 6-year-old connected to COVID-19, according to the Kansas Department of Health.This is the youngest death reported in Kansas. The individual died in November and the death certificate was finalized this week, connecting the death to COVID-19. Due to patient privacy laws, KDHE provided no further details about the death of the child.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612551327421.png" alt="Friday February 5, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday February 5, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

St. Joseph health officials report 24 new cases of COVID-19 Thursday, but no new fatalities.

Buchanan County has seen a total of 9,817 cases and 157 fatalities since the pandemic began.

Mosaic Life Care reports just 27 COVID patients in its system - all of whom are being treated in St. Joseph.

Andrew County reports seven new cases for a total of 1,935. There have also been 19 COVID-related fatalities in the county.

Doniphan County, Kansas reports 909 cases. Atchison County, KS reports 1,467 and Brown County reports 1,185 total cases.

Statewide, Missouri reports 463,119 total cases and 7,117 total deaths.

Kansas reports 278,915 total cases and 3,895 deaths. Over 8,500 Kansans are hospitalized due to COVID-19 complications.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials report 24 new cases of COVID-19 Thursday, but no new fatalities.Buchanan County has seen a total of 9,817 cases and 157 fatalities since the pandemic began.Mosaic Life Care reports just 27 COVID patients in its system - all of whom are being treated in St. Joseph.Andrew County reports seven new cases for a total of 1,935. There have also been 19 COVID-related fatalities in the county.Doniphan County, Kansas reports 909 cases. Atchison County, KS reports 1,467 and Brown County reports 1,185 total cases.Statewide, Missouri reports 463,119 total cases and 7,117 total deaths.Kansas reports 278,915 total cases and 3,895 deaths. Over 8,500 Kansans are hospitalized due to COVID-19 complications.

COVID-19 update: new infections and hospitalizations stay low in Buchanan County

St. Joseph health officials report 33 new cases of COVID-19 in Buchanan County Wednesday, but no new fatalities.

Buchanan County has reported 9,793 total cases and 157 fatalities since the pandemic began.

Mosaic Life Care continues to report an easing of COVID-19 hospitalizations. Mosaic says it's treating 28 COVID patients in its system Wednesday - all being treated in St. Joseph.

Andrew County reports 1,928 total cases with 19 deaths - no change from Tuesday.

Gentry and Harrison County each report 11 new cases Wednesday. Gentry County's case total stands at 765 - Harrison County's total is 983.

Doniphan County, Kansas reports eight new cases Wednesday for a total 909.

Statewide, Kansas reports 2,247 new cases and 86 new deaths since Monday. Missouri Wednesday reports over 1,233 new cases and 10 new deaths. There have been 7,098 fatalities linked to COVID-19 in Missouri.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials report 33 new cases of COVID-19 in Buchanan County Wednesday, but no new fatalities.Buchanan County has reported 9,793 total cases and 157 fatalities since the pandemic began.Mosaic Life Care continues to report an easing of COVID-19 hospitalizations. Mosaic says it's treating 28 COVID patients in its system Wednesday - all being treated in St. Joseph.Andrew County reports 1,928 total cases with 19 deaths - no change from Tuesday.Gentry and Harrison County each report 11 new cases Wednesday. Gentry County's case total stands at 765 - Harrison County's total is 983.Doniphan County, Kansas reports eight new cases Wednesday for a total 909.Statewide, Kansas reports 2,247 new cases and 86 new deaths since Monday. Missouri Wednesday reports over 1,233 new cases and 10 new deaths. There have been 7,098 fatalities linked to COVID-19 in Missouri.

33 new COVID-19 cases in Buchanan County Wednesday, no new fatalities

WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation’s top infectious disease expert doesn’t want the Super Bowl to turn into a super spreader.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, says when it comes to Super Bowl parties during the pandemic, people should “just lay low and cool it.”

He said during TV interviews Wednesday that now isn’t the time to invite people over for watch parties because of the possibility that they’re infected with the coronavirus and could sicken others.

Big events like Sunday’s game in Tampa, Florida, between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are always a cause for concern over the potential for virus spread, Fauci said.

“You don’t want parties with people that you haven’t had much contact with,” he told NBC’s “Today” show. “You just don’t know if they’re infected, so, as difficult as that is, at least this time around, just lay low and cool it.”&nbsp; Fauci refused to pick the Chiefs or Buccaneers to win. "I don't want to go there."

According to the CDC web site, gathering virtually or with the people you live with is the safest way to celebrate the Super Bowl this year. If you do have a small gathering with people who don’t live with you, outdoors is safer than indoors. This year, choose a safer way to enjoy the game.

Attend an outdoor viewing party where viewers can sit 6 feet apart.

The NFL has capped game attendance at 22,000 people because of the pandemic and citywide coronavirus mandates.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612377815413.png" alt="Fauci photo National Institute of Health" />
 <figcaption>Fauci photo National Institute of Health</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation’s top infectious disease expert doesn’t want the Super Bowl to turn into a super spreader.Dr. Anthony Fauci, says when it comes to Super Bowl parties during the pandemic, people should “just lay low and cool it.”He said during TV interviews Wednesday that now isn’t the time to invite people over for watch parties because of the possibility that they’re infected with the coronavirus and could sicken others.Big events like Sunday’s game in Tampa, Florida, between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are always a cause for concern over the potential for virus spread, Fauci said.“You don’t want parties with people that you haven’t had much contact with,” he told NBC’s “Today” show. “You just don’t know if they’re infected, so, as difficult as that is, at least this time around, just lay low and cool it.”&nbsp; Fauci refused to pick the Chiefs or Buccaneers to win. "I don't want to go there."According to the CDC web site, gathering virtually or with the people you live with is the safest way to celebrate the Super Bowl this year. If you do have a small gathering with people who don’t live with you, outdoors is safer than indoors. This year, choose a safer way to enjoy the game.Host a virtual Super Bowl watch party.<ul>
 <li>Wear clothing or decorate your home with your favorite team’s logo or colors.</li><li>Make appetizers or snacks with the people you live with to enjoy while watching the game and share the recipes with your friends and family.</li><li>Start a text group with other fans to chat about the game while watching.</li>
 </ul>Attend an outdoor viewing party where viewers can sit 6 feet apart.<ul>
 <li>Use a projector screen to broadcast the game.</li><li>Sit at least 6 feet away from people you don’t live with.</li>
 </ul>The NFL has capped game attendance at 22,000 people because of the pandemic and citywide coronavirus mandates.

Fauci warns against Super Bowl parties to avoid virus spread

New cases of COVID-19 and the number of people hospitalized with the virus' complications <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/2f97382c-02fb-4578-9dd5-8d8519e77498">have gone down over the last few weeks</a> in St. Joseph and Buchanan County.

The rollout of the vaccine and the availability of infusion treatments at area hospitals have helped provide relief. However, experts are hesitant to say when exactly life will return to the way it was prior to the pandemic.

Missouri Western science professor Dr. Gary Clapp, a COVID-19 advisor for the St. Joseph City Council, says the new strains of COVID that have spread in the U.K., South Africa and also the U.S., make it hard to predict what the future holds.

"The future is really crystal ball-like," Clapp said. "Which variant will be coming next and will we have to create another vaccine for it? My guess is, yes. There will be another vaccine coming around again next year and it'll be for the most predominant variant, and it won't be that different from the one we take right now."

New variants of the virus have been identified in 21 U.S. states, but not yet Missouri. Experts say the new strain can be up to 50 percent more contagious, but Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious diseases expert, says the more vaccine that gets out, the less chance the virus has of mutating.

While a new variant could re-infect people who've already had COVID-19, there's no evidence to suggest that the new variants are more deadly, or cause more intense symptoms, than the original virus.

Clapp says the best defenses are the ones already in use - face masks, social distancing and hand-washing.

"If you had it and survived it, chances are you'll survive the next one too," Clapp said. "So, that should be a good thought. But, mask up, y'all."

Many are hopeful that once COVID vaccines become more readily available to the general public in spring, life can mostly return to normal this summer.

Clapp says there's reason to be optimistic about summer, because viruses don't do well in UV light. While much progress has been made over the last month, Clapp says the next 30-60 days will be important to watch.

"If we look back to where we were 30 days ago," Clapp said, "we've made tremendous progress. So, before we jump out and say summer is the target, let's look at the next 30-60 days and reevaluate."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611966312972.jpeg" alt="The former Gordman's at the East Hills Shopping Center has been transformed into a mass vaccination site. Experts say the more vaccines that go out, the less chance the COVID-19 virus has of mutating, allowing for a quicker return to normal life. Photo by Whitnee Ice." />
 <figcaption>The former Gordman's at the East Hills Shopping Center has been transformed into a mass vaccination site. Experts say the more vaccines that go out, the less chance the COVID-19 virus has of mutating, allowing for a quicker return to normal life. Photo by Whitnee Ice.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostNew cases of COVID-19 and the number of people hospitalized with the virus' complications <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/2f97382c-02fb-4578-9dd5-8d8519e77498">have gone down over the last few weeks</a> in St. Joseph and Buchanan County.The rollout of the vaccine and the availability of infusion treatments at area hospitals have helped provide relief. However, experts are hesitant to say when exactly life will return to the way it was prior to the pandemic.Missouri Western science professor Dr. Gary Clapp, a COVID-19 advisor for the St. Joseph City Council, says the new strains of COVID that have spread in the U.K., South Africa and also the U.S., make it hard to predict what the future holds."The future is really crystal ball-like," Clapp said. "Which variant will be coming next and will we have to create another vaccine for it? My guess is, yes. There will be another vaccine coming around again next year and it'll be for the most predominant variant, and it won't be that different from the one we take right now."New variants of the virus have been identified in 21 U.S. states, but not yet Missouri. Experts say the new strain can be up to 50 percent more contagious, but Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious diseases expert, says the more vaccine that gets out, the less chance the virus has of mutating.While a new variant could re-infect people who've already had COVID-19, there's no evidence to suggest that the new variants are more deadly, or cause more intense symptoms, than the original virus.Clapp says the best defenses are the ones already in use - face masks, social distancing and hand-washing."If you had it and survived it, chances are you'll survive the next one too," Clapp said. "So, that should be a good thought. But, mask up, y'all."Many are hopeful that once COVID vaccines become more readily available to the general public in spring, life can mostly return to normal this summer.Clapp says there's reason to be optimistic about summer, because viruses don't do well in UV light. While much progress has been made over the last month, Clapp says the next 30-60 days will be important to watch."If we look back to where we were 30 days ago," Clapp said, "we've made tremendous progress. So, before we jump out and say summer is the target, let's look at the next 30-60 days and reevaluate."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Missouri Western professor encouraged by local COVID trends, talks return to normalcy

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 2247 to a total of 278,915, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 3895 an increase of 86

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/">Click here to&nbsp;</a>use the new tool on the Kansas’s COVID-19 vaccine website and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/160/Find-My-Vaccine">Click here&nbsp;</a>to get more details on vaccine.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 2247 to a total of 278,915, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 3895 an increase of 86<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612376064354.png" alt="Wednesday February 3, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday February 3, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/">Click here to&nbsp;</a>use the new tool on the Kansas’s COVID-19 vaccine website and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/160/Find-My-Vaccine">Click here&nbsp;</a>to get more details on vaccine.

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday the launch of the “Find My Vaccine” mapping tool, designed to help Kansans locate sites that are administering vaccines in their communities. 

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/">Click here to </a>use the new tool on the Kansas’s COVID-19 vaccine website and <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/160/Find-My-Vaccine">Click here </a>to get more details on vaccine.

Kansans in vaccine phase 1 and 2 are recommended to use this tool as a resource for finding providers who are or will be offering the vaccine.

“The ‘find my vaccine’ mapping tool allows any Kansan, regardless of where they live, to find the closest vaccine provider to their community,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“The national shortage continues to be the biggest obstacle to delivering vaccines, and that means, many of our enrolled providers do not yet have sufficient vaccines to offer to the general public. But we know it’s better to be ahead of the curve and have this platform ready to go before supply has caught up, so that every Kansan is familiar with the tool and so we can be prepared as more providers are activated.”

The Kansas&nbsp;Find My Vaccine tool&nbsp;allows Kansans to:

The tool includes locations that are participating in administering COVID-19 vaccines and have provided their information to share with the general public. As federal supply increases, Find My Vaccine will evolve to support the COVID-19 vaccination effort by listing more providers and linking to details and scheduling opportunities as they become available. As the vaccine supply continues to grow, the State asks all enrolled providers who intend to vaccinate the general public to provide their information for Kansans to see in Find My Vaccine. 

Vaccines are being delivered to all 105 Kansas counties on a weekly basis, but not all providers may be listed on the map at this time. If you do not see an active location in your area - and you are in Phase 1 or 2 - ask your&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAyMDMuMzQ1MjM1NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2djYzAxLnNhZmVsaW5rcy5wcm90ZWN0aW9uLm91dGxvb2suY29tLz91cmw9aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cua2RoZWtzLmdvdiUyRm9scmglMkZkb3dubG9hZCUyRmhlYWx0aF9kaXJlY3RvcnkucGRmJmRhdGE9MDQlN0MwMSU3Q1JheW5hLkthcnN0JTQwa3MuZ292JTdDMTJkNDIwYzAwMTFjNDU5NDM4ZmYwOGQ4YzdiYjE0NjglN0NkY2FlODEwMWM5MmQ0ODBjYmM0M2M2NzYxY2NjY2M1YSU3QzAlN0MwJTdDNjM3NDc4OTUzNTkyMjk3MDU3JTdDVW5rbm93biU3Q1RXRnBiR1pzYjNkOGV5SldJam9pTUM0d0xqQXdNREFpTENKUUlqb2lWMmx1TXpJaUxDSkJUaUk2SWsxaGFXd2lMQ0pYVkNJNk1uMCUzRCU3QzEwMDAmc2RhdGE9U0s4JTJGNVd4YVN6ZkQzU3VvRmt1a0k1NnhYZlJPT0hqMG5pYlpMdlJOWWZVJTNEJnJlc2VydmVkPTAifQ.1ph59dP5HLY3U8RnYzWhr9P3g-RX5SY7QQB-Uk4ZJvc/s/1303160919/br/96998253223-l" target="_blank">local health department</a>&nbsp;how to access the vaccine.&nbsp; Weekly vaccine allocations for each county are available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.L2IBkzmD-wZ4LCb8YmsxAnu8XmXzyPJGa6EGqOBpTnI/s/1303160919/br/96998253223-l" target="_blank">KS COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610104544544.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday the launch of the “Find My Vaccine” mapping tool, designed to help Kansans locate sites that are administering vaccines in their communities. <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/">Click here to </a>use the new tool on the Kansas’s COVID-19 vaccine website and <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/160/Find-My-Vaccine">Click here </a>to get more details on vaccine.Kansans in vaccine phase 1 and 2 are recommended to use this tool as a resource for finding providers who are or will be offering the vaccine.“The ‘find my vaccine’ mapping tool allows any Kansan, regardless of where they live, to find the closest vaccine provider to their community,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“The national shortage continues to be the biggest obstacle to delivering vaccines, and that means, many of our enrolled providers do not yet have sufficient vaccines to offer to the general public. But we know it’s better to be ahead of the curve and have this platform ready to go before supply has caught up, so that every Kansan is familiar with the tool and so we can be prepared as more providers are activated.”The Kansas&nbsp;Find My Vaccine tool&nbsp;allows Kansans to:<ol>
 <li>Look up nearby COVID-19 vaccine locations</li><li>Identify which locations have recently received vaccine doses</li><li>Access contact information for each location to confirm eligibility and availability</li>
 </ol>The tool includes locations that are participating in administering COVID-19 vaccines and have provided their information to share with the general public. As federal supply increases, Find My Vaccine will evolve to support the COVID-19 vaccination effort by listing more providers and linking to details and scheduling opportunities as they become available. As the vaccine supply continues to grow, the State asks all enrolled providers who intend to vaccinate the general public to provide their information for Kansans to see in Find My Vaccine. Vaccines are being delivered to all 105 Kansas counties on a weekly basis, but not all providers may be listed on the map at this time. If you do not see an active location in your area - and you are in Phase 1 or 2 - ask your&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.1ph59dP5HLY3U8RnYzWhr9P3g-RX5SY7QQB-Uk4ZJvc/s/1303160919/br/96998253223-l" target="_blank">local health department</a>&nbsp;how to access the vaccine.&nbsp; Weekly vaccine allocations for each county are available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.L2IBkzmD-wZ4LCb8YmsxAnu8XmXzyPJGa6EGqOBpTnI/s/1303160919/br/96998253223-l" target="_blank">KS COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard</a>.

Kansas launches new 'Find My Vaccine' online tool

The COVID-19 pandemic is by no means over, but the city of St. Joseph and Buchanan County seem to be trending in a positive direction in several critical areas.

Dr. Gary Clapp, a math and science professor at Missouri Western State University, has also been an advisor for the St. Joseph city council during the pandemic, showing them graphs and data to help them set city policy.

Clapp says the number of new infections and hospitalizations have been steadily dropping over the last few weeks.

"We're just continuing to go down," he said. "The daily average of new cases has dropped up from way in the 70s to 25 or less even. Everything is trending in the right direction right now."

As of Tuesday, 156 people in Buchanan County have died due to COVID-19 complications for a daily death average of less than one since the pandemic began last March.

Clapp says the death rate has fluctuated throughout that time.

The hospitalization rate had been going up in late fall, with Mosaic Life Care reporting 94 COVID-19 patients in late November. There were still 86 COVID patients in the Mosaic system on Jan. 5.

As of Tuesday, that figure dropped to 29.

Clapp says the key to fewer hospitalizations locally is the availability of infusion treatments - chiefly Bamlanivimab and Regeneron. Remdesivir has also proven to be a successful treatment.

"This infusion therapy they're using, Bamlanivimab and Remdesivir, both are showing extremely good signs of slowing if not stopping the progression of the disease," Clapp said, "before your lungs fill up (with fluid) and turn to mush and you can't breathe."

Another data point&nbsp;in Buchanan County that's encouraging&nbsp; - the COVID test positivity rate. After being above 20 percent in late fall and early winter, the St. Joseph Health Department reports Monday that it has fallen to 8.9 percent.

"If we look back to where we were just 30 days ago, we've made tremendous progress," Dr. Clapp said. "But before we jump out and say summer is the target (for getting back to normal), let's take a look at the next 30 days and reevaluate and do that again in 60 days."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596730563292.jpeg" alt="Hospitalizations at Mosaic Life Care have been going down for the last several weeks. The positivity rate and number of new, daily cases have also been on the decline in Buchanan County and St. Joseph. File photo." />
 <figcaption>Hospitalizations at Mosaic Life Care have been going down for the last several weeks. The positivity rate and number of new, daily cases have also been on the decline in Buchanan County and St. Joseph. File photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe COVID-19 pandemic is by no means over, but the city of St. Joseph and Buchanan County seem to be trending in a positive direction in several critical areas.Dr. Gary Clapp, a math and science professor at Missouri Western State University, has also been an advisor for the St. Joseph city council during the pandemic, showing them graphs and data to help them set city policy.Clapp says the number of new infections and hospitalizations have been steadily dropping over the last few weeks."We're just continuing to go down," he said. "The daily average of new cases has dropped up from way in the 70s to 25 or less even. Everything is trending in the right direction right now."As of Tuesday, 156 people in Buchanan County have died due to COVID-19 complications for a daily death average of less than one since the pandemic began last March.Clapp says the death rate has fluctuated throughout that time.The hospitalization rate had been going up in late fall, with Mosaic Life Care reporting 94 COVID-19 patients in late November. There were still 86 COVID patients in the Mosaic system on Jan. 5.As of Tuesday, that figure dropped to 29.Clapp says the key to fewer hospitalizations locally is the availability of infusion treatments - chiefly Bamlanivimab and Regeneron. Remdesivir has also proven to be a successful treatment."This infusion therapy they're using, Bamlanivimab and Remdesivir, both are showing extremely good signs of slowing if not stopping the progression of the disease," Clapp said, "before your lungs fill up (with fluid) and turn to mush and you can't breathe."Another data point&nbsp;in Buchanan County that's encouraging&nbsp; - the COVID test positivity rate. After being above 20 percent in late fall and early winter, the St. Joseph Health Department reports Monday that it has fallen to 8.9 percent."If we look back to where we were just 30 days ago, we've made tremendous progress," Dr. Clapp said. "But before we jump out and say summer is the target (for getting back to normal), let's take a look at the next 30 days and reevaluate and do that again in 60 days."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MWSU Professor:  St. Joseph, Buchanan CO COVID numbers "trending in right direction"

St. Joseph health officials report one new COVD-19 related death Tuesday. The victim was a female in her 80s.

Officials also report 17 new cases Tuesday. Buchanan County&nbsp; has now recorded 9,760 cases with 157 deaths.

Mosaic Life Care reports 29 COVID-19 patients in its system Tuesday - 28 are in St. Joseph and one in Maryville.

Andrew County health officials report right new cases Tuesday for a total of 1,928. They’ve also had 19 deaths.

Statewide, Missouri reports 890 cases Tuesday for a total of 460,487. There have also been 7,088 deaths related to COVID in Missouri since the pandemic began.

Doniphan County, Kansas reports a total of 901 cases. Kansas reports a total of 276,668 cases and 3,809 deaths.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials report one new COVD-19 related death Tuesday. The victim was a female in her 80s.Officials also report 17 new cases Tuesday. Buchanan County&nbsp; has now recorded 9,760 cases with 157 deaths.Mosaic Life Care reports 29 COVID-19 patients in its system Tuesday - 28 are in St. Joseph and one in Maryville.Andrew County health officials report right new cases Tuesday for a total of 1,928. They’ve also had 19 deaths.Statewide, Missouri reports 890 cases Tuesday for a total of 460,487. There have also been 7,088 deaths related to COVID in Missouri since the pandemic began.Doniphan County, Kansas reports a total of 901 cases. Kansas reports a total of 276,668 cases and 3,809 deaths.

One COVID-related death in Buchanan County Tuesday, hospitalizations, new infections low

St. Joseph health officials report two more COVID-19 related deaths in Buchanan County since Friday.

The two victims were women - one in her 70s and another in her 80s. The Buchanan County death toll now stands at 156. There have also been 56 more cases in Buchanan County since Friday, including 32 Monday, for a total of 9,743.

Mosaic Life Care reports 32 patients in its system Monday. There are 31 patients in the St. Joseph hospital and one in Albany.

Andrew County reports nine new cases since Friday for a total of 1,920. They've also had 18 fatalities related to COVID since the pandemic started.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials report two more COVID-19 related deaths in Buchanan County since Friday.The two victims were women - one in her 70s and another in her 80s. The Buchanan County death toll now stands at 156. There have also been 56 more cases in Buchanan County since Friday, including 32 Monday, for a total of 9,743.Mosaic Life Care reports 32 patients in its system Monday. There are 31 patients in the St. Joseph hospital and one in Albany.Andrew County reports nine new cases since Friday for a total of 1,920. They've also had 18 fatalities related to COVID since the pandemic started.Statewide, Missouri reports 459,597 total cases (+3,067 since Friday) and 6,748 total deaths (+9 since Friday).Since Friday, Kansas has seen 1,983 new cases (276,668 total) and 30 new deaths (3,809 total). Over 8,400 Kansans are hospitalized due to COVID complications.Doniphan County reports 901 cases (+7), Atchison County, KS 1,449 (+17) and Brown County has seen 1,179 total cases of coronavirus (+3).

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