St. Joseph health officials report 35 new cases of COVID-19 in Buchanan County Thursday, but no additional deaths for a third day in a row.

Buchanan County has seen a total of 9,635 cases and 153 COVID-related fatalities since the pandemic started.

Mosaic Life Care reports 33 COVID-19 patients in its system - that's up five since Wednesday. There are 32 patients in the St. Joseph hospital and one in Maryville.

Andrew County reports just three more cases for a total of 1,906. The county has also reported 18 fatalities since the start of the pandemic.

Holt County reports 20 new cases (488 total).

Statewide, Missouri reports 1,636 new cases (454,573 total) and 16 new deaths (6,725 total) Thursday.

Kansas has reports 272,517 total cases and 3,718 total fatalities. There are over 8,200 Kansans hospitalized due to COVID-19.

Doniphan County, Kansas reports 880 cases, Atchison County, KS reports 1,419 and Brown County reports 1,172.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials report 35 new cases of COVID-19 in Buchanan County Thursday, but no additional deaths for a third day in a row.Buchanan County has seen a total of 9,635 cases and 153 COVID-related fatalities since the pandemic started.Mosaic Life Care reports 33 COVID-19 patients in its system - that's up five since Wednesday. There are 32 patients in the St. Joseph hospital and one in Maryville.Andrew County reports just three more cases for a total of 1,906. The county has also reported 18 fatalities since the start of the pandemic.Holt County reports 20 new cases (488 total).Statewide, Missouri reports 1,636 new cases (454,573 total) and 16 new deaths (6,725 total) Thursday.Kansas has reports 272,517 total cases and 3,718 total fatalities. There are over 8,200 Kansans hospitalized due to COVID-19.Doniphan County, Kansas reports 880 cases, Atchison County, KS reports 1,419 and Brown County reports 1,172.

Hospitalizations stable, no COVID-related deaths in Buchanan County for third straight day

SAVANNAH - The Andrew County Health Department is set to vaccinate nearly 2,000 people on Friday at a mass COVID-19 vaccine clinic - the first of its kind in northwest Missouri.

Andrew County is part of Region H - a 15-county cluster in the northwest part of the state.

Jayne White and Andrew Hoffman, who are employed by the Andrew County Health Department, signed a contract to become the Regional Implementation Team leads across the entire northwest region.

"We partnered with Blair Shock, (the administrator), from the Clinton County Health Department to help us with this endeavor, too" White said.

White, the Public Nurse Manager for Andrew County's Health Department, had a week to plan the first mass COVID vaccination clinic in Region H with Hoffman, who's the Andrew County health department administrator.

They also partnered with the Missouri National Guard, Andrew County Sheriff's office, the Savannah Police Department and several other agencies to run and coordinate the event.

The first mass clinic will be in the parking lot of the First Baptist Church in Savannah. It's a drive-thru event, in which people had to make an appointment in advance.

Any Missourian in Phase 1a and 1b can sign up. This includes medical personnel, residents of long-term care, anyone 65 or older and adults considered to be at high-risk.

White says there'll be mass vaccination clinics like this across the region on a weekly basis for people who couldn't get a shot this first time around.

"In every Highway Patrol Troop region, there's a large, mass vaccination clinic every week," she said. "So, every week there'll be one in Region H. Next week, it'll be somewhere else. By the fourth week, we'll be back here in Savannah to do the second dose and potentially some first doses for individuals."

Region H has a total of 1,950 doses of the Pfizer vaccine for this Friday's event. Much like the rest of Missouri, vaccine distribution has been slow in Andrew County.

Andrew County received 100 doses of the Moderna vaccine earlier this month to administer to medical workers and long-term care residents. Those individuals will receive their second dosage next week.

"We keep putting orders in and keep hoping that we get some," White said. "This is huge, though. This RIT team is huge, because we know there's access to vaccine somewhere in Region H."

Previously, the Andrew County Health Department had a vaccine waiting list. The list did not guarantee an appointment, but health officials made one attempt to call people on the list age 65 or older when vaccine became available.

That effort alone was labor intensive, and White says the wait list will not be opened back up.

"My staff has been calling all day," White said. "Probably eight hour days since last Friday. That's a huge thing and the phone is constantly ringing. That's a tough thing to do. Plus, the state is setting up a system to help with registration and things like that, so that's what people will want to be watching for.

"We will keep people notified through Facebook and the media about events that are coming up. As we move forward, they'll be able to sign up that way."

White says many of the rural hospitals and health departments in Region H don't have the sufficient supplies or staffing to distribute the COVID vaccine in mass quantities.

The Tri-County Health Department, for example, has three total nurses trying to coordinate and administer vaccine in DeKalb, Gentry and Worth counties.

The hope now, though, is that these weekly mass clinics will help those who've had difficulty getting access to a COVID vaccination.

"It's an attempt to get vaccine out to these communities and to be able to do it in large quantities," White said. "Some of our rural hospitals don't have the staff or manpower to get this much vaccine out at a time."

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611866211159.jpeg" alt="Jayne White (blue hat), the Public Nurse Manager for the Andrew County Health Department, is also a Region H Vaccine Implementation Team leader. She, and many partners across the region, are working to set up mass COVID-19 vaccine clinics in northwest Missouri. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Jayne White (blue hat), the Public Nurse Manager for the Andrew County Health Department, is also a Region H Vaccine Implementation Team leader. She, and many partners across the region, are working to set up mass COVID-19 vaccine clinics in northwest Missouri. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSAVANNAH - The Andrew County Health Department is set to vaccinate nearly 2,000 people on Friday at a mass COVID-19 vaccine clinic - the first of its kind in northwest Missouri.Andrew County is part of Region H - a 15-county cluster in the northwest part of the state.Jayne White and Andrew Hoffman, who are employed by the Andrew County Health Department, signed a contract to become the Regional Implementation Team leads across the entire northwest region."We partnered with Blair Shock, (the administrator), from the Clinton County Health Department to help us with this endeavor, too" White said.White, the Public Nurse Manager for Andrew County's Health Department, had a week to plan the first mass COVID vaccination clinic in Region H with Hoffman, who's the Andrew County health department administrator.They also partnered with the Missouri National Guard, Andrew County Sheriff's office, the Savannah Police Department and several other agencies to run and coordinate the event.The first mass clinic will be in the parking lot of the First Baptist Church in Savannah. It's a drive-thru event, in which people had to make an appointment in advance.Any Missourian in Phase 1a and 1b can sign up. This includes medical personnel, residents of long-term care, anyone 65 or older and adults considered to be at high-risk.White says there'll be mass vaccination clinics like this across the region on a weekly basis for people who couldn't get a shot this first time around."In every Highway Patrol Troop region, there's a large, mass vaccination clinic every week," she said. "So, every week there'll be one in Region H. Next week, it'll be somewhere else. By the fourth week, we'll be back here in Savannah to do the second dose and potentially some first doses for individuals."Region H has a total of 1,950 doses of the Pfizer vaccine for this Friday's event. Much like the rest of Missouri, vaccine distribution has been slow in Andrew County.Andrew County received 100 doses of the Moderna vaccine earlier this month to administer to medical workers and long-term care residents. Those individuals will receive their second dosage next week."We keep putting orders in and keep hoping that we get some," White said. "This is huge, though. This RIT team is huge, because we know there's access to vaccine somewhere in Region H."Previously, the Andrew County Health Department had a vaccine waiting list. The list did not guarantee an appointment, but health officials made one attempt to call people on the list age 65 or older when vaccine became available.That effort alone was labor intensive, and White says the wait list will not be opened back up."My staff has been calling all day," White said. "Probably eight hour days since last Friday. That's a huge thing and the phone is constantly ringing. That's a tough thing to do. Plus, the state is setting up a system to help with registration and things like that, so that's what people will want to be watching for."We will keep people notified through Facebook and the media about events that are coming up. As we move forward, they'll be able to sign up that way."White says many of the rural hospitals and health departments in Region H don't have the sufficient supplies or staffing to distribute the COVID vaccine in mass quantities.The Tri-County Health Department, for example, has three total nurses trying to coordinate and administer vaccine in DeKalb, Gentry and Worth counties.The hope now, though, is that these weekly mass clinics will help those who've had difficulty getting access to a COVID vaccination."It's an attempt to get vaccine out to these communities and to be able to do it in large quantities," White said. "Some of our rural hospitals don't have the staff or manpower to get this much vaccine out at a time."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611866382597.jpeg" alt="Missouri National Guard members prepare to unload a truck full of supplies ahead of Friday's mass vaccination clinic in the parking lot of the First Baptist Church in Savannah. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Missouri National Guard members prepare to unload a truck full of supplies ahead of Friday's mass vaccination clinic in the parking lot of the First Baptist Church in Savannah. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Andrew County Health Dept. set to vaccinate nearly 2000 people at mass clinic in Savannah

St. Joseph health officials report no new deaths related to COVID-19 in Buchanan County for the second day in a row.

Only 13 new cases have been reported in the county since Tuesday. Buchanan County's positivity rate has also dipped below 10 percent within the last week.

The county has seen over 9,600 total cases and 153 deaths since the pandemic began.

Mosaic Life Care reports just 28 COVID-19 patients in its system. All 28 of those patients are being treated in the St. Joseph hospital.

Andrew County reports only two more cases Wednesday for a total of 1,903.

Clinton County reports 129 new cases (1,840 total) and two new deaths (63 total). Worth County reported one new death Wednesday. A mostly rural area, Worth County has seen only 201 total cases and two fatalities since the pandemic began.

Statewide, Missouri reports 1,444 new cases Wednesday for a total of 452,937. There have also been 23 new deaths in the state for a pandemic total of 6,709.

Since Monday, Kansas has reported 3,262 new cases (272,517 total) and 96 new deaths (3,718 total). There are over 8,200 Kansans hospitalized due to COVID-19.

Doniphan County, Kansas reports 880 cases (+6), Atchison County, KS reports 1,419 (+7) and Brown County reports 1,172 (+13).

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials report no new deaths related to COVID-19 in Buchanan County for the second day in a row.Only 13 new cases have been reported in the county since Tuesday. Buchanan County's positivity rate has also dipped below 10 percent within the last week.The county has seen over 9,600 total cases and 153 deaths since the pandemic began.Mosaic Life Care reports just 28 COVID-19 patients in its system. All 28 of those patients are being treated in the St. Joseph hospital.Andrew County reports only two more cases Wednesday for a total of 1,903.Clinton County reports 129 new cases (1,840 total) and two new deaths (63 total). Worth County reported one new death Wednesday. A mostly rural area, Worth County has seen only 201 total cases and two fatalities since the pandemic began.Statewide, Missouri reports 1,444 new cases Wednesday for a total of 452,937. There have also been 23 new deaths in the state for a pandemic total of 6,709.Since Monday, Kansas has reported 3,262 new cases (272,517 total) and 96 new deaths (3,718 total). There are over 8,200 Kansans hospitalized due to COVID-19.Doniphan County, Kansas reports 880 cases (+6), Atchison County, KS reports 1,419 (+7) and Brown County reports 1,172 (+13).

COVID-19 case rate, hospitalizations remain low in the local area Wednesday

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Gov. Mike Parson is seeking to take unused doses of the coronavirus vaccine back from pharmacies so they can be distributed to mass vaccination sites operated by the National Guard in an effort to speed up the sluggish pace of immunizations.

Parson spokeswoman Kelli Jones said Tuesday night that the administration is looking at diverting 25,000 doses from CVS and Walgreens, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/parson-to-divert-doses-from-pharmacies-in-bid-to-boost-vaccine-rate-in-missouri/article_6bcd5386-5aa9-5e70-b0d9-037eb2e47ec6.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter_stltoday">reports.</a>

“We asked for 25,000 back already and are asking for more,” Jones said.

Jones stressed that the maneuver won’t keep pharmacies from finishing their work providing vaccinations at nursing homes, which have been particularly hard hit by the spread of COVID-19.

“We are frustrated by slow pace of the federal pharmacy partnership and have been told by the federal government that we can take unused doses back and distribute them to our state-enrolled vaccinators,” Jones said Tuesday. “However, sufficient doses will remain to complete all scheduled clinics at every facility enrolled in the federal pharmacy partnership.”

Missouri’s move comes as other states have begun redirecting the deployment of vaccines under the oversight of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611752735957.png" alt="Total doses administered&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations__">reported to the&nbsp;</a>CDC by State per 100,000-CDC image" />
 <figcaption>Total doses administered&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations__">reported to the&nbsp;</a>CDC by State per 100,000-CDC image</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Gov. Mike Parson is seeking to take unused doses of the coronavirus vaccine back from pharmacies so they can be distributed to mass vaccination sites operated by the National Guard in an effort to speed up the sluggish pace of immunizations.Parson spokeswoman Kelli Jones said Tuesday night that the administration is looking at diverting 25,000 doses from CVS and Walgreens, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/parson-to-divert-doses-from-pharmacies-in-bid-to-boost-vaccine-rate-in-missouri/article_6bcd5386-5aa9-5e70-b0d9-037eb2e47ec6.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter_stltoday">reports.</a>“We asked for 25,000 back already and are asking for more,” Jones said.Jones stressed that the maneuver won’t keep pharmacies from finishing their work providing vaccinations at nursing homes, which have been particularly hard hit by the spread of COVID-19.“We are frustrated by slow pace of the federal pharmacy partnership and have been told by the federal government that we can take unused doses back and distribute them to our state-enrolled vaccinators,” Jones said Tuesday. “However, sufficient doses will remain to complete all scheduled clinics at every facility enrolled in the federal pharmacy partnership.”Missouri’s move comes as other states have begun redirecting the deployment of vaccines under the oversight of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Gov. to divert doses from Mo. pharmacies to boost vaccine rate

COVID-19
hospitalizations continue to drop as Mosaic Life Care reports fewer than 30
coronavirus patients in its system for the first time in months.

Mosaic is treating just 24 COVID-19 patients in St. Joseph, with one in Albany and none in Maryville.

Mosaic
reported 94 COVID-19 patients in its system in mid-November.

On Tuesday, St. Joseph health officials report only 18 new cases of COVID-19 in Buchanan County and no new deaths. The county has seen over 96-hundred total cases and 153 deaths.

Andrew
County reports six new cases, bringing its total to 1,901 with 18 deaths. Gentry County reports 15 new cases for a total of 748.

Doniphan
County, Kansas reports 874 total cases.

Missouri
health officials report 1,079 new cases Tuesday (451,493 total) and 133 new deaths (6,686 total).

In
Kansas, health officials report a total of 269,255 cases resulting in 3,622
deaths.

By BRENT MARTIN and TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostCOVID-19
hospitalizations continue to drop as Mosaic Life Care reports fewer than 30
coronavirus patients in its system for the first time in months.Mosaic is treating just 24 COVID-19 patients in St. Joseph, with one in Albany and none in Maryville.Mosaic
reported 94 COVID-19 patients in its system in mid-November.On Tuesday, St. Joseph health officials report only 18 new cases of COVID-19 in Buchanan County and no new deaths. The county has seen over 96-hundred total cases and 153 deaths.Andrew
County reports six new cases, bringing its total to 1,901 with 18 deaths. Gentry County reports 15 new cases for a total of 748.Doniphan
County, Kansas reports 874 total cases.Missouri
health officials report 1,079 new cases Tuesday (451,493 total) and 133 new deaths (6,686 total).In
Kansas, health officials report a total of 269,255 cases resulting in 3,622
deaths.

COVID-19 hospitalizations, new cases dropping locally

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Tuesday that county allocation data is now available on Kansas’ COVID-19 <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">vaccine dashboard.</a> A collaboration with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the COVID-19 dashboard will be updated Monday, Wednesday and Friday by 12:30 PM.

“I am pleased to announce county-specific allocation data is now available on our <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">vaccine dashboard,</a>” said Governor Laura Kelly. “My administration is prioritizing transparency and communication with public health officials and Kansans to deliver vaccines quickly and efficiently. As we progress through Phase 2 of our vaccination framework, I encourage Kansans to visit KansasVaccine.Gov or contact their local public health departments to learn more about signing up for the vaccine.”

As of January 25, Kansas has reported 132,145, people vaccinated, 157,520 total vaccine doses administered and 255, 550 vaccine doses distributed.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here </a>to view the vaccine data

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Tuesday that county allocation data is now available on Kansas’ COVID-19 <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">vaccine dashboard.</a> A collaboration with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the COVID-19 dashboard will be updated Monday, Wednesday and Friday by 12:30 PM.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My administration has prioritized transparency and communication with public health officials and Kansans to deliver vaccines quickly and efficiently. To further this effort, you may now view county-specific allocation data on our vaccine dashboard. <a href="https://t.co/HwbkZ5fQj9">https://t.co/HwbkZ5fQj9</a>&mdash; Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovLauraKelly/status/1354124014311116800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“I am pleased to announce county-specific allocation data is now available on our <a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">vaccine dashboard,</a>” said Governor Laura Kelly. “My administration is prioritizing transparency and communication with public health officials and Kansans to deliver vaccines quickly and efficiently. As we progress through Phase 2 of our vaccination framework, I encourage Kansans to visit KansasVaccine.Gov or contact their local public health departments to learn more about signing up for the vaccine.”As of January 25, Kansas has reported 132,145, people vaccinated, 157,520 total vaccine doses administered and 255, 550 vaccine doses distributed.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here </a>to view the vaccine data

Vaccine data for your county available on Kansas website

The Tri-County Health Department in northwest Missouri continues to see a high demand for the COVID-19 vaccine among those who are eligible to receive it.

Due to the high interest, the Department has closed its COVID vaccine waiting list, which now has over 1,400 people on it.

Tri-County Health administrator Teresa McDonald says that patients will soon be able to schedule vaccine appointments on their own, and the wait list would just create more hassle.

"That's going to take us a little bit to get through (the 1,400 people)," McDonald said. "By the time we get through it, we'll have a program coming in where people can just get on there and schedule their own appointments. So really, it'd just be double work for us to continue the list at this point."

Those who are on Tri-County's vaccine waiting list will receive a call once an appointment is available.

Once the 1,400 people on the list are taken care of, Tri-County will then share a link on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tricountyhealthdept">their Facebook page</a> for people to make their own appointments.

Tri-County was <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/cd94d0a0-7595-45f2-b3ac-9623e4cc21b1">denied a shipment of COVID vaccine</a> from the state last week, but Mosaic Life Care provided them 130 doses to help finish vaccinating those in Phase 1a, particularly first responders in DeKalb, Gentry and Worth counties.

McDonald says Tri-County is now working with Mosaic on a mass vaccination clinic in Albany which is set for Monday, Feb. 1.

"With us only having three vaccinators in office, the collaboration with Mosaic will be essential to us," McDonald said. "With that large clinic, we're looking to vaccinate 540 people on that day."

In addition, Tri-County is receiving an additional 600 doses of the Pfizer vaccine from the state this week, which will help make up for any delays in Phase 1b vaccinations. Phase 1b includes anyone age 65 or older and adults who are considered high-risk.

"I think with all of the factors coming into play, we're going to see things kind of snowball from here," McDonald said, in reference to the number of people getting vaccines. "It's a combination of factors that have made it so slow thus far."

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Tri-County Health Department in northwest Missouri continues to see a high demand for the COVID-19 vaccine among those who are eligible to receive it.Due to the high interest, the Department has closed its COVID vaccine waiting list, which now has over 1,400 people on it.Tri-County Health administrator Teresa McDonald says that patients will soon be able to schedule vaccine appointments on their own, and the wait list would just create more hassle."That's going to take us a little bit to get through (the 1,400 people)," McDonald said. "By the time we get through it, we'll have a program coming in where people can just get on there and schedule their own appointments. So really, it'd just be double work for us to continue the list at this point."Those who are on Tri-County's vaccine waiting list will receive a call once an appointment is available.Once the 1,400 people on the list are taken care of, Tri-County will then share a link on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tricountyhealthdept">their Facebook page</a> for people to make their own appointments.Tri-County was <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/cd94d0a0-7595-45f2-b3ac-9623e4cc21b1">denied a shipment of COVID vaccine</a> from the state last week, but Mosaic Life Care provided them 130 doses to help finish vaccinating those in Phase 1a, particularly first responders in DeKalb, Gentry and Worth counties.McDonald says Tri-County is now working with Mosaic on a mass vaccination clinic in Albany which is set for Monday, Feb. 1."With us only having three vaccinators in office, the collaboration with Mosaic will be essential to us," McDonald said. "With that large clinic, we're looking to vaccinate 540 people on that day."In addition, Tri-County is receiving an additional 600 doses of the Pfizer vaccine from the state this week, which will help make up for any delays in Phase 1b vaccinations. Phase 1b includes anyone age 65 or older and adults who are considered high-risk."I think with all of the factors coming into play, we're going to see things kind of snowball from here," McDonald said, in reference to the number of people getting vaccines. "It's a combination of factors that have made it so slow thus far."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.<div><div id="fb-root"></div>
<script async defer crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v9.0" nonce="4R4LbC06"></script></div><div><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/tricountyhealthdept/posts/3804562006266916" data-width="500" data-show-text="true"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/tricountyhealthdept/posts/3804562006266916" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">We hope everyone is staying safe and warm on this snowy day! We wanted to provide an update on vaccination efforts in...Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tricountyhealthdept/">Tri-County Health Department</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/tricountyhealthdept/posts/3804562006266916">Monday, January 25, 2021</a></blockquote></div></div>

Tri-County Health pauses COVID vaccine waiting list, planning vaccine clinic in Albany

St. Joseph health officials report two new COVID-19 related deaths in Buchanan County since Friday, putting the county’s death toll at 153.

The latest victims were both women - one in her 80s and another in her 90s. The county has also seen 78 new cases since Friday for a total of 9,587.

As of Saturday, there are 36 patients in the Mosaic Life Care system with 34 patients in St. Joseph, and one in both Maryville and Albany.

Andrew County reports 11 new cases for a total of 1,895.

Statewide, Missouri has seen 4,793 new cases (450,414 total) since Friday along with 26 new deaths (6,553 total).

In Kansas, there have been 2,602 new cases (269,255 total) and 24 new deaths (3,622 total) since Friday. Doniphan County reports 874 cases (+17), Atchison County, KS reports 1,412 cases (+10) and Brown County reports 1,159 cases (+12).

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials report two new COVID-19 related deaths in Buchanan County since Friday, putting the county’s death toll at 153.The latest victims were both women - one in her 80s and another in her 90s. The county has also seen 78 new cases since Friday for a total of 9,587.As of Saturday, there are 36 patients in the Mosaic Life Care system with 34 patients in St. Joseph, and one in both Maryville and Albany.Andrew County reports 11 new cases for a total of 1,895.Statewide, Missouri has seen 4,793 new cases (450,414 total) since Friday along with 26 new deaths (6,553 total).In Kansas, there have been 2,602 new cases (269,255 total) and 24 new deaths (3,622 total) since Friday. Doniphan County reports 874 cases (+17), Atchison County, KS reports 1,412 cases (+10) and Brown County reports 1,159 cases (+12).

Two new COVID-19 related deaths reported in Buchanan County

The number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 continues to fall in the Mosaic Life Care system - just as the vaccine gets rolled out to the public.

Mosaic reported 36 COVID patients on Saturday - the lowest total in months. There are 34 patients in the&nbsp; St. Joseph, and one in both Maryville and Albany.

Mosaic Chief Quality Officer, Dr. Edward Kammerer, says the rollout of the vaccine is critical, but social distancing and mask wearing are still the best ways to combat the virus and keep hospitals from being overwhelmed.

"People are doing better at wearing their masks," Kammerer said. "They're using hand hygiene and social distancing better than they have. That's important. That's still the foundation. However, as of today, we now have the entire spectrum of treatment available."

<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/3a61fda1-97e6-4273-a8a2-b16713693b6e">Mosaic has started distributing vaccine</a> to members of the public who are in Phase 1b. This includes those who are 65 and older, and any adult considered to be high-risk with underlying health conditions.

Kammerer says the first dose of the vaccine will give the recipient about 80 percent immunity to COVID-19 and 95 percent two weeks after the second dose.

While it may be some time before herd immunity is reached, Kammerer says the vaccine should help drive down local hospitalization rates even further.

"We now have a full spectrum of care that's available for this disease," Kammerer said. "What you're going to see is those numbers really come down over the next few months, because we now have the ability to take care of it - from prevention all the way through to severe disease."

Kammerer says the Mosaic system starts to get strained when it reaches up to 100 COVID-19 patients. There were up to 91 patients being treated for COVID in the system back in October, but it has not since reached that high of a level.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611337254889.jpeg" alt="Chairs have been safely distanced inside the old Gordmans at the East Hills Shopping Center in St. Joseph to accommodate for mass vaccinations, starting this week. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Chairs have been safely distanced inside the old Gordmans at the East Hills Shopping Center in St. Joseph to accommodate for mass vaccinations, starting this week. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 continues to fall in the Mosaic Life Care system - just as the vaccine gets rolled out to the public.Mosaic reported 36 COVID patients on Saturday - the lowest total in months. There are 34 patients in the&nbsp; St. Joseph, and one in both Maryville and Albany.Mosaic Chief Quality Officer, Dr. Edward Kammerer, says the rollout of the vaccine is critical, but social distancing and mask wearing are still the best ways to combat the virus and keep hospitals from being overwhelmed."People are doing better at wearing their masks," Kammerer said. "They're using hand hygiene and social distancing better than they have. That's important. That's still the foundation. However, as of today, we now have the entire spectrum of treatment available."<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/3a61fda1-97e6-4273-a8a2-b16713693b6e">Mosaic has started distributing vaccine</a> to members of the public who are in Phase 1b. This includes those who are 65 and older, and any adult considered to be high-risk with underlying health conditions.Kammerer says the first dose of the vaccine will give the recipient about 80 percent immunity to COVID-19 and 95 percent two weeks after the second dose.While it may be some time before herd immunity is reached, Kammerer says the vaccine should help drive down local hospitalization rates even further."We now have a full spectrum of care that's available for this disease," Kammerer said. "What you're going to see is those numbers really come down over the next few months, because we now have the ability to take care of it - from prevention all the way through to severe disease."Kammerer says the Mosaic system starts to get strained when it reaches up to 100 COVID-19 patients. There were up to 91 patients being treated for COVID in the system back in October, but it has not since reached that high of a level.You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Mosaic hospitalizations fall as COVID-19 vaccine goes out to the public

WASHINGTON (AP) —Public health experts blamed COVID-19 vaccine shortages around the U.S. in part on the Trump administration’s push to get states to vastly expand their vaccination drives to reach the nation’s estimated 54 million people age 65 and over.

The push that began over a week ago has not been accompanied by enough doses to meet demand, according to state and local officials, leading to frustration and confusion and limiting states’ ability to attack the outbreak that has killed over 400,000 Americans.

Over the past few days, authorities in California, Ohio, West Virginia, Florida and Hawaii warned that their supplies were running out. New York City began canceling or postponing shots or stopped making new appointments because of the shortages, which President Joe Biden has vowed to turn around. Florida’s top health official said the state would deal with the scarcity by restricting vaccines to state residents.

The vaccine rollout so far has been “a major disappointment,” said Dr. Eric Topol, head of the Scripps Research Translational Institute.

Problems started with the Trump administration’s “fatal mistake” of not ordering enough vaccine, which was then snapped up by other countries, Topol said. Then, opening the line to senior citizens set people up for disappointment because there wasn’t enough vaccine, he said. The Trump administration also left crucial planning to the states and didn’t provide the necessary funding.

“It doesn’t happen by fairy dust,” Topol said. “You need to put funds into that.”

Last week, before Biden took over as president, the U.S. Health and Human Services Department suggested that the frustration was the result of unrealistic expectations among the states as to how much vaccine was on the way.

But some public health experts said that the states have not been getting reliable information on vaccine deliveries and that the amounts they have been sent have been unpredictable. That, in turn, has made it difficult for them to plan how to inoculate people.

“It’s a bit of having to build it as we go,” said Dr. George Rutherford, an epidemiologist at the University of California, San Francisco. “It’s a front-end supply issue, and unless we know how much vaccine is flowing down the pipe, it’s hard to get these things sized right, staffed, get people there, get them vaccinated and get them gone.”

State health secretaries have asked the Biden administration for earlier and more reliable predictions on vaccine deliveries, said Washington state Health Secretary Dr. Umair Shah.

Dr. Marcus Plescia of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials was also among those who said opening vaccinations to senior citizens was done too soon, before supply could catch up.

“We needed steady federal leadership on this early in the launch,” Plescia said. “That did not happen, and now that we are not prioritizing groups, there is going to be some lag for supply to catch up with demand.”

Supply will pick up over the next few weeks, he said. Deliveries go out to the states every week, and the government and drugmakers have given assurances large quantities are in the pipeline.

The rollout has proceeded at a disappointing pace. The U.S. government has delivered nearly 38 million doses of vaccine to the states, and about 17.5 million of those have been administered, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

About 2.4 million people have received the necessary two doses, by the CDC’s count — well short of the hundreds of millions who will have to be inoculated to vanquish the outbreak.

Biden, in one of his first orders of business, signed 10 executive orders to combat the coronavirus pandemic on Thursday, including one broadening the use of the Defense Production Act to expand vaccine production. The 1950 Korean War-era law enables the government to direct the manufacture of critical goods.

He also mandated masks for travel, including in airports and on planes, ships, trains, buses and public transportation, and ordered the Federal Emergency Management Agency to set up vaccination centers and the CDC to make vaccines available through pharmacies starting next month.

Biden has vowed to dispense 100 million shots in his first 100 days.

“We’ll move heaven and earth to get more people vaccinated for free,” he said.

Florida was one of the first states to open vaccine eligibility to members of the general public over 65. Now uncertainty over the vaccine supply has prompted the state surgeon general, Scott Rivkees, to advise counties to prioritize available doses for state residents, including so-called snowbirds who live there part-time. People seeking vaccination will have to provide a driver’s license or other document, such as rental leases and utility bills.

In New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Gov. Andrew Cuomo have been pleading for more doses. Appointments through Sunday for the first dose of the vaccine at 15 community vaccination hubs set up by the city health department were postponed to next week.

Vaccinations in New York haven’t stopped, but demand for the shots now far exceeds the number of doses available, the mayor said.

“It’s just tremendously sad that we have so many people who want the vaccine and so much ability to give the vaccine, what’s happening?” de Blasio said. “For lack of supply, we’re actually having to cancel appointments.”

Rosa Schneider had jumped at the chance to make a vaccination appointment once she heard that educators like her were eligible in New York. A high school English teacher who lives in New York City but works in New Jersey, she said that a day before she was to be vaccinated on Wednesday at a city-run hospital, she got a call saying the supply had run out and the appointment was canceled.

“I was concerned, and I was upset,” said Schneider, 32, but she is trying daily to book another appointment. She is hopeful availability will improve in the coming weeks.

WASHINGTON (AP) —Public health experts blamed COVID-19 vaccine shortages around the U.S. in part on the Trump administration’s push to get states to vastly expand their vaccination drives to reach the nation’s estimated 54 million people age 65 and over.The push that began over a week ago has not been accompanied by enough doses to meet demand, according to state and local officials, leading to frustration and confusion and limiting states’ ability to attack the outbreak that has killed over 400,000 Americans.Over the past few days, authorities in California, Ohio, West Virginia, Florida and Hawaii warned that their supplies were running out. New York City began canceling or postponing shots or stopped making new appointments because of the shortages, which President Joe Biden has vowed to turn around. Florida’s top health official said the state would deal with the scarcity by restricting vaccines to state residents.The vaccine rollout so far has been “a major disappointment,” said Dr. Eric Topol, head of the Scripps Research Translational Institute.Problems started with the Trump administration’s “fatal mistake” of not ordering enough vaccine, which was then snapped up by other countries, Topol said. Then, opening the line to senior citizens set people up for disappointment because there wasn’t enough vaccine, he said. The Trump administration also left crucial planning to the states and didn’t provide the necessary funding.“It doesn’t happen by fairy dust,” Topol said. “You need to put funds into that.”Last week, before Biden took over as president, the U.S. Health and Human Services Department suggested that the frustration was the result of unrealistic expectations among the states as to how much vaccine was on the way.But some public health experts said that the states have not been getting reliable information on vaccine deliveries and that the amounts they have been sent have been unpredictable. That, in turn, has made it difficult for them to plan how to inoculate people.“It’s a bit of having to build it as we go,” said Dr. George Rutherford, an epidemiologist at the University of California, San Francisco. “It’s a front-end supply issue, and unless we know how much vaccine is flowing down the pipe, it’s hard to get these things sized right, staffed, get people there, get them vaccinated and get them gone.”State health secretaries have asked the Biden administration for earlier and more reliable predictions on vaccine deliveries, said Washington state Health Secretary Dr. Umair Shah.Dr. Marcus Plescia of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials was also among those who said opening vaccinations to senior citizens was done too soon, before supply could catch up.“We needed steady federal leadership on this early in the launch,” Plescia said. “That did not happen, and now that we are not prioritizing groups, there is going to be some lag for supply to catch up with demand.”Supply will pick up over the next few weeks, he said. Deliveries go out to the states every week, and the government and drugmakers have given assurances large quantities are in the pipeline.The rollout has proceeded at a disappointing pace. The U.S. government has delivered nearly 38 million doses of vaccine to the states, and about 17.5 million of those have been administered, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About 2.4 million people have received the necessary two doses, by the CDC’s count — well short of the hundreds of millions who will have to be inoculated to vanquish the outbreak.Biden, in one of his first orders of business, signed 10 executive orders to combat the coronavirus pandemic on Thursday, including one broadening the use of the Defense Production Act to expand vaccine production. The 1950 Korean War-era law enables the government to direct the manufacture of critical goods.He also mandated masks for travel, including in airports and on planes, ships, trains, buses and public transportation, and ordered the Federal Emergency Management Agency to set up vaccination centers and the CDC to make vaccines available through pharmacies starting next month.Biden has vowed to dispense 100 million shots in his first 100 days.“We’ll move heaven and earth to get more people vaccinated for free,” he said.Florida was one of the first states to open vaccine eligibility to members of the general public over 65. Now uncertainty over the vaccine supply has prompted the state surgeon general, Scott Rivkees, to advise counties to prioritize available doses for state residents, including so-called snowbirds who live there part-time. People seeking vaccination will have to provide a driver’s license or other document, such as rental leases and utility bills.In New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Gov. Andrew Cuomo have been pleading for more doses. Appointments through Sunday for the first dose of the vaccine at 15 community vaccination hubs set up by the city health department were postponed to next week.Vaccinations in New York haven’t stopped, but demand for the shots now far exceeds the number of doses available, the mayor said.“It’s just tremendously sad that we have so many people who want the vaccine and so much ability to give the vaccine, what’s happening?” de Blasio said. “For lack of supply, we’re actually having to cancel appointments.”Rosa Schneider had jumped at the chance to make a vaccination appointment once she heard that educators like her were eligible in New York. A high school English teacher who lives in New York City but works in New Jersey, she said that a day before she was to be vaccinated on Wednesday at a city-run hospital, she got a call saying the supply had run out and the appointment was canceled.“I was concerned, and I was upset,” said Schneider, 32, but she is trying daily to book another appointment. She is hopeful availability will improve in the coming weeks.

Health experts blame rapid expansion for vaccine shortages

St. Joseph health officials report 42 more cases of COVID-19 in Buchanan County Friday, putting the county's total at 9,509.

There were no new deaths in Buchanan County for the second day in a row. The county's death toll stands at 151.

Mosaic Life Care reports 46 patients in its system Friday - the same number as Thursday. There are 43 patients in St. Joseph, two in Maryville and one in Albany.

Andrew County reports 10 new cases Friday for a total of 1,884. There have also been 18 deaths in the county since the pandemic started.

Statewide, Missouri reports 1,783 new cases (445,621 total) and 42 new deaths (6,527 total) Friday.

Since Wednesday, Kansas has seen 3,241 new cases (266,653 total) and 23 new deaths (3,598 total). There are now over 8,000 Kansans hospitalized with COVID as well.

Doniphan County, Kansas reports 857 cases (+8 since Wednesday), Atchison County, KS has seen 1,402 cases (+15) and Brown County reports 1,159 cases - an increase of 12 since Monday.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials report 42 more cases of COVID-19 in Buchanan County Friday, putting the county's total at 9,509.There were no new deaths in Buchanan County for the second day in a row. The county's death toll stands at 151.Mosaic Life Care reports 46 patients in its system Friday - the same number as Thursday. There are 43 patients in St. Joseph, two in Maryville and one in Albany.Andrew County reports 10 new cases Friday for a total of 1,884. There have also been 18 deaths in the county since the pandemic started.Statewide, Missouri reports 1,783 new cases (445,621 total) and 42 new deaths (6,527 total) Friday.Since Wednesday, Kansas has seen 3,241 new cases (266,653 total) and 23 new deaths (3,598 total). There are now over 8,000 Kansans hospitalized with COVID as well.Doniphan County, Kansas reports 857 cases (+8 since Wednesday), Atchison County, KS has seen 1,402 cases (+15) and Brown County reports 1,159 cases - an increase of 12 since Monday.

Buchanan County exceeds 9,500 COVID cases, hospitalizations remain stable

It's a day that many have waited on for almost a year now.

Online registration for the COVID-19 vaccine in St. Joseph opened Friday, with vaccines getting out to the eligible public starting Monday.

"It is a day of hope," Mosaic chief medical officer Dr. Davin Turner said. "There's a light at the end of the tunnel and it's not a train."

Mosaic Life Care, the city of St. Joseph and several other entities have partnered to provide the COVID vaccine to northwest Missouri residents, as supply allows.

"That commitment and coordinated effort allows us to start community vaccinations next week," St. Joseph mayor Bill McMurray said. "I'm very grateful for this partnership and the dedication and perseverance from everyone to make it happen."

Missouri authorized COVID vaccines for people in Phase 1B this week. This includes people who are 65 and older and adults considered to be at high-risk with underlying health conditions.

St. Joseph's vaccination site is the former Gordmans at the East Hills Shopping Center.&nbsp;The site features a check-in area, multiple vaccination stations and a large, socially distanced observation area.

"It's my expectation that this facility will be providing vaccines for at least six months and possibly longer," Turner said.

Appointments can be made at <a href="https://www.mymlc.com/vaccine">MyMLC.com/vaccine</a>.&nbsp;Residents might experience delays on the website due to high traffic volume.

"Our teams are working diligently to make (registration) as smooth of a process as possible," Turner said.

&nbsp;Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday's registration is already full as of Friday morning. Mosaic is unable to make appointments over the phone.

Vaccines are by appointment only with no walk-ins accepted, though Turner said the goal is to make it a walk-in operation once supply is sufficient.

"At this time, that's not going to be the way it works."

Hundreds will be vaccinated per day in St. Joseph and thousands per week - when supply is sufficient. Right now, there's enough to vaccinate about 100 people every day.

Mosaic initially requested 6,000 vaccines from the state with the goal of vaccinating up to 1,500 per day and up to 10,000 per week.

The problem - supply is limited across the state. Mosaic is ordering vaccine on a weekly basis with amounts being determined by the state.

"The number of vaccines is the limiting factor," Turner said, "but as we get more, we will deliver more vaccine to those who are eligible at this time. We have limited supply, but we will give the vaccine we have."

Mosaic has already vaccinated over 2,000 people in Phase 1a.

Both Mosaic Medical Center in Maryville and Mosaic Medical in Albany are working with their community partners on the vaccine rollout in those areas.

More information on rollout in those communities will come at a later date.

Regional residents in Maryville are asked to call the Nodaway County Health Department to get on a waiting list, while regional residents in Albany should call the Tri-County Health Department to get on their list.

Tri-County Health just this week <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/cd94d0a0-7595-45f2-b3ac-9623e4cc21b1">was denied its latest shipment</a> of COVID vaccine for people in Phase 1b.

Mosaic recently helped them finish vaccinating those in Phase 1a -medical personnel, long-term care residents and first responders in Dekalb, Gentry and Worth counties.

"We recently assisted (Tri-County) to make sure they could hopefully complete their Tier 1a folks," Turner said.

Supply is limited, and the fight is not over. But, it is a day of hope for many. A "long time coming," as Dr. Laney said, but Turner reminds people to keep up those preventative measures as they wait for their vaccine.

"Wash your hands, wear your mask...light is at the end of the tunnel and it is not a train."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611337086892.jpeg" alt="Mosaic Life Care Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Davin Turner explains the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine in St. Joseph Friday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Mosaic Life Care Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Davin Turner explains the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine in St. Joseph Friday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostIt's a day that many have waited on for almost a year now.Online registration for the COVID-19 vaccine in St. Joseph opened Friday, with vaccines getting out to the eligible public starting Monday."It is a day of hope," Mosaic chief medical officer Dr. Davin Turner said. "There's a light at the end of the tunnel and it's not a train."Mosaic Life Care, the city of St. Joseph and several other entities have partnered to provide the COVID vaccine to northwest Missouri residents, as supply allows."That commitment and coordinated effort allows us to start community vaccinations next week," St. Joseph mayor Bill McMurray said. "I'm very grateful for this partnership and the dedication and perseverance from everyone to make it happen."Missouri authorized COVID vaccines for people in Phase 1B this week. This includes people who are 65 and older and adults considered to be at high-risk with underlying health conditions.St. Joseph's vaccination site is the former Gordmans at the East Hills Shopping Center.&nbsp;The site features a check-in area, multiple vaccination stations and a large, socially distanced observation area."It's my expectation that this facility will be providing vaccines for at least six months and possibly longer," Turner said.Appointments can be made at <a href="https://www.mymlc.com/vaccine">MyMLC.com/vaccine</a>.&nbsp;Residents might experience delays on the website due to high traffic volume."Our teams are working diligently to make (registration) as smooth of a process as possible," Turner said.&nbsp;Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday's registration is already full as of Friday morning. Mosaic is unable to make appointments over the phone.Vaccines are by appointment only with no walk-ins accepted, though Turner said the goal is to make it a walk-in operation once supply is sufficient."At this time, that's not going to be the way it works."Hundreds will be vaccinated per day in St. Joseph and thousands per week - when supply is sufficient. Right now, there's enough to vaccinate about 100 people every day.Mosaic initially requested 6,000 vaccines from the state with the goal of vaccinating up to 1,500 per day and up to 10,000 per week.The problem - supply is limited across the state. Mosaic is ordering vaccine on a weekly basis with amounts being determined by the state."The number of vaccines is the limiting factor," Turner said, "but as we get more, we will deliver more vaccine to those who are eligible at this time. We have limited supply, but we will give the vaccine we have."Mosaic has already vaccinated over 2,000 people in Phase 1a.Both Mosaic Medical Center in Maryville and Mosaic Medical in Albany are working with their community partners on the vaccine rollout in those areas.More information on rollout in those communities will come at a later date.Regional residents in Maryville are asked to call the Nodaway County Health Department to get on a waiting list, while regional residents in Albany should call the Tri-County Health Department to get on their list.Tri-County Health just this week <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/cd94d0a0-7595-45f2-b3ac-9623e4cc21b1">was denied its latest shipment</a> of COVID vaccine for people in Phase 1b.Mosaic recently helped them finish vaccinating those in Phase 1a -medical personnel, long-term care residents and first responders in Dekalb, Gentry and Worth counties."We recently assisted (Tri-County) to make sure they could hopefully complete their Tier 1a folks," Turner said.Supply is limited, and the fight is not over. But, it is a day of hope for many. A "long time coming," as Dr. Laney said, but Turner reminds people to keep up those preventative measures as they wait for their vaccine."Wash your hands, wear your mask...light is at the end of the tunnel and it is not a train."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611337254889.jpeg" alt="Chairs have been safely distanced inside the old Gordmans in St. Joseph to accommodate for mass vaccinations. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Chairs have been safely distanced inside the old Gordmans in St. Joseph to accommodate for mass vaccinations. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611337299899.jpeg" alt="Vaccination stations are ready to go in the former Gordmans at the East Hills Shopping Center in St. Joseph. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Vaccination stations are ready to go in the former Gordmans at the East Hills Shopping Center in St. Joseph. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Mosaic, city of St. Joseph, opens registration for COVID vaccine, distribution starts Monday

St. Joseph health officials report 42 new COVID-19 cases in Buchanan County Thursday, but no new deaths.

The county has now seen 9,467 total cases and 151 COVID-related deaths since the pandemic began.

Mosaic Life Care reports 50 COVID-19 patients in its system Thursday with 46 patients in St. Joseph, four in Maryville and one in Albany.

Andrew County reports six new cases Thursday for a total of 1,874. The county has also had 18 COVID-related fatalities since the pandemic started.

Nodaway County reports 15 new cases for a total of 2,492.

Statewide, Missouri reports 2,049 new cases (443,838 total) and 24 new deaths (6,485 total) Thursday.

Kansas reports 263,412 total cases and 3,575 total deaths due to COVID.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials report 42 new COVID-19 cases in Buchanan County Thursday, but no new deaths.The county has now seen 9,467 total cases and 151 COVID-related deaths since the pandemic began.Mosaic Life Care reports 50 COVID-19 patients in its system Thursday with 46 patients in St. Joseph, four in Maryville and one in Albany.Andrew County reports six new cases Thursday for a total of 1,874. The county has also had 18 COVID-related fatalities since the pandemic started.Nodaway County reports 15 new cases for a total of 2,492.Statewide, Missouri reports 2,049 new cases (443,838 total) and 24 new deaths (6,485 total) Thursday.Kansas reports 263,412 total cases and 3,575 total deaths due to COVID.

No new deaths in Buchanan County, Mosaic hospitalizations stable Thursday

St. Joseph health officials report 63 additional cases of COVID-19 in Buchanan County Wednesday, but no new deaths.

There have now been 9,425 total cases in the county with 151 fatalities.

Mosaic Life Care reports 46 patients in its system Wednesday - that's down four from the day before.

The St. Joseph hospital has 44 patients, while Maryville and Albany each have one.

Andrew County reports just four new cases Wednesday for a total of 1,868. There have also been 18 deaths in the county since the pandemic started.

Clinton County reports an increase of 153 cases, putting their total at 1,711. DeKalb County reports 16 new cases, putting their total at 1,006.

Gentry County reports eight new cases (728 total) and one new death (18 total) Wednesday.

Statewide, Missouri reports 1,592 new cases (441,789 total) and 198 new deaths (6,461 total) Wednesday.

Since Monday, the state of Kansas has seen 3,590 new cases (263,412 total) and 50 new deaths (3,575 total) due to COVID.

Doniphan County reports 849 total cases (+6), while Atchison County, KS reports 1,387 (+15) total cases.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials report 63 additional cases of COVID-19 in Buchanan County Wednesday, but no new deaths.There have now been 9,425 total cases in the county with 151 fatalities.Mosaic Life Care reports 46 patients in its system Wednesday - that's down four from the day before.The St. Joseph hospital has 44 patients, while Maryville and Albany each have one.Andrew County reports just four new cases Wednesday for a total of 1,868. There have also been 18 deaths in the county since the pandemic started.Clinton County reports an increase of 153 cases, putting their total at 1,711. DeKalb County reports 16 new cases, putting their total at 1,006.Gentry County reports eight new cases (728 total) and one new death (18 total) Wednesday.Statewide, Missouri reports 1,592 new cases (441,789 total) and 198 new deaths (6,461 total) Wednesday.Since Monday, the state of Kansas has seen 3,590 new cases (263,412 total) and 50 new deaths (3,575 total) due to COVID.Doniphan County reports 849 total cases (+6), while Atchison County, KS reports 1,387 (+15) total cases.

DeKalb County exceeds 1,000 total COVID-19 cases, Missouri reports nearly 200 more deaths Wednesday

The St. Joseph Health Department reports two more COVID-19 related deaths in Buchanan County since Friday.

The two victims were a man and a woman - both in their 80s. The Buchanan County death toll is now 151. There have also been 107 more cases confirmed in Buchanan County since Friday for a total of 9,362 since the pandemic began.

The good news - only eight cases reported in Buchanan County Monday.

Mosaic Life Care reports 50 COVID-19 patients in its system - an increase of five since Monday. There are 47 patients in the St. Joseph hospital, one in Maryville and two in Albany.

Andrew County reports just two new cases, but also one new death Tuesday, putting the case total at 1,864 and the pandemic death toll at 18.

DeKalb County reports 25 new cases for a total of 984. Nodaway County has seen 20 new cases since Friday for a total of 2,457. Atchison County, MO reports four new cases (404 total) and one new death (11 total) since Friday.

Statewide, Missouri reports an additional 1,357 cases (440,197 total) and seven new deaths (6,263 total) Tuesday.

Kansas health officials report 259,822 total cases with 3,525 total deaths as of Monday. Their numbers will be updated again on Wednesday.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph Health Department reports two more COVID-19 related deaths in Buchanan County since Friday.The two victims were a man and a woman - both in their 80s. The Buchanan County death toll is now 151. There have also been 107 more cases confirmed in Buchanan County since Friday for a total of 9,362 since the pandemic began.The good news - only eight cases reported in Buchanan County Monday.Mosaic Life Care reports 50 COVID-19 patients in its system - an increase of five since Monday. There are 47 patients in the St. Joseph hospital, one in Maryville and two in Albany.Andrew County reports just two new cases, but also one new death Tuesday, putting the case total at 1,864 and the pandemic death toll at 18.DeKalb County reports 25 new cases for a total of 984. Nodaway County has seen 20 new cases since Friday for a total of 2,457. Atchison County, MO reports four new cases (404 total) and one new death (11 total) since Friday.Statewide, Missouri reports an additional 1,357 cases (440,197 total) and seven new deaths (6,263 total) Tuesday.Kansas health officials report 259,822 total cases with 3,525 total deaths as of Monday. Their numbers will be updated again on Wednesday.

Two COVID-related deaths reported in Buchanan County, one in Andrew County Tuesday

MAYSVILLE - The Tri-County Health Department was not chosen to receive an additional supply of COVID-19 vaccines this week, further delaying and confusing the distribution of the vaccine in parts of northwest Missouri.

Tri-County Health already has 110 doses of the Moderna vaccine ready to go for people in Phase 1a this week (medical personnel, long-term care residents) and soon, first responders within Worth, Gentry and DeKalb counties.

"We've been in close contact with Mosaic Life Care and (President) John Doolitte," Tri-County health administrator Teresa McDonald said. "They're trying to help us in getting our first responders vaccinated."

The state of Missouri activated vaccinations for people in Phase 1b this week. That includes those over age 65 and anyone considered to be at high-risk.

Those in Phase 1b who live in the Tri-County area aren't sure how long they'll have to wait to get their COVID vaccine.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostMAYSVILLE - The Tri-County Health Department was not chosen to receive an additional supply of COVID-19 vaccines this week, further delaying and confusing the distribution of the vaccine in parts of northwest Missouri.Tri-County Health already has 110 doses of the Moderna vaccine ready to go for people in Phase 1a this week (medical personnel, long-term care residents) and soon, first responders within Worth, Gentry and DeKalb counties."We've been in close contact with Mosaic Life Care and (President) John Doolitte," Tri-County health administrator Teresa McDonald said. "They're trying to help us in getting our first responders vaccinated."The state of Missouri activated vaccinations for people in Phase 1b this week. That includes those over age 65 and anyone considered to be at high-risk.Those in Phase 1b who live in the Tri-County area aren't sure how long they'll have to wait to get their COVID vaccine."I don't have any definite answers on why our order was denied this week," Tri-County health administrator Teresa McDonald said. "I'm assuming it was a supply issue."Tri-County placed an order of 240 vaccines for people in Phase 1b. McDonald has reached out to State Rep. J Eggleston, notifying him of the situation. She's yet to hear a response.While Tri-County is waiting on Eggleston's response, calls from residents within the Tri-County area have been frequent.The health department now has three phone lines set up for people who want to get in line for vaccination clinics."We can't hardly get anything else done," McDonald admitted. "It makes it a little difficult to schedule clinics when we have all of these calls coming in. That's why we've elected to have the cellphone that we purchased to have the voicemail set up to go ahead and take the messages and take a little break off of our phones."Tri-County Health started a <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/1ec7a10c-1e58-4c0d-8198-a9394ab6edda">COVID-19 vaccine waiting list</a> for this purpose last week. That list now has 1,036 people on it."We're just going to continue to put people on the list as they call in," McDonald said. "That way, we at least know what we need and where we need it at."Those who want to get on the list are asked to call&nbsp;660-822-1247 and follow the instructions laid out in the voicemail message.<div><div id="fb-root"></div>
<script async defer crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v9.0" nonce="k5PdfyQw"></script></div><div><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/tricountyhealthdept/posts/3787221001334350" data-width="500" data-show-text="true"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/tricountyhealthdept/posts/3787221001334350" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">Good Morning,

We are aware of the strain the current pandemic has put on the communities we serve. We are doing all we...Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tricountyhealthdept/">Tri-County Health Department</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/tricountyhealthdept/posts/3787221001334350">Tuesday, January 19, 2021</a></blockquote></div></div>You can follow St. Joseph Post on Twitter @StJosephPost.

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