Many Wright County residents have enjoyed a return to normal life the past few months as many restrictions were lifted that were put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Locally, however, the deadly illness is still rearing its ugly head as the area has seen a significant increase in positive cases.
The Wright County Health Department noted the issue on their July 7 Facebook page stating, “It has been extremely busy for our staff responding to the up-tick in positive COVID cases and COVID testing efforts...”
In June alone, there were around 66 confirmed positive COVID-19 lab tests.
From June 25 to July 9, there have been 57 lab confirmed positive COVID-19 tests.
In the WCHD’s numbers breakdown by towns, Mansfield has seen an increase over that time of 37 cases. Mountain Grove’s increase from early June to July 9 is 48, Norwood increased by 16 cases and Hartville went up 13 cases.
The WCHD Mountain Grove location held free COVID-19 testing on July 6.
In the meantime, COVID-19 vaccinations are increasing in the county.
The WCHD reports around 650 vaccines were administered by providers from early June through July 9.
The Texas County Health Department is also reporting a significant increase in COVID-19 cases.
From June 1 through July 6, positive COVID-19 cases have jumped up by 172.
As for Springfield hospitals, on July 5, Mercy reported they were treating more than 100 patients for COVID-19 and they were experiencing a shortage in ventilators.
This past weekend, Cox South reported that they are treating 119 COVID-19 patients.
“Please, please, please vaccinate,” said the hospital in a Facebook post.
“It is safe, effective and widely available. If you choose not to vaccinate, know that the disease is here and spreading, and take precautions: Mask and stay away from other people. While most will survive, no one knows how the virus may affect them, or what lasting, long-term impacts may be.”
For those interested in getting vaccinated, the website vaccines.gov shows there are local providers available for appointments.
They include Mountain Grove’s Walmart, Missouri Ozarks Community Health locations in Mountain Grove and Mansfield, as well as Mansfield Drug. TCHD is hosting a Vaccination Clinic from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, July 19. No appointment is necessary. They will be offering the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.
