By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph health officials announced the deaths of seven more Buchanan County residents who passed away from COVID-19 complications.All of these deaths occurred over the last several months and were reported directly to the state rather than the local health department.Officials also reported 30 new COVID-19 cases in Buchanan County Wednesday, but roughly half of those occurred over the last few months as well. Buchanan County has reported over 10,000 COVID-19 cases and 171 virus related fatalities since the pandemic began.Mosaic Life Care reports just five COVID-19 patients in their system - all of whom are being treated in St. Joseph.Statewide, Missouri reports more than 476,000 cases and over 7,800 virus related fatalities. Over 700,000 Missourians have received the first dose of the vaccine.Doniphan County, Kansas, who just this week lifted their mask mandate, has 936 total cases - an increase of six since Monday.Kansas reports 1,122 new cases (292,837 total) and 81 new fatalities (4,724) since Monday. Over 350,000 Kansas residents have been vaccinated to date.

St. Joseph health officials announce seven previously unreported COVID-related deaths