Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

A Lake area school is heading back to class with Masks.

Officials in the Richland School High School are putting the requirements back in place, after more than 20% of students and staff were required to quarantine after coming in contact with an infected individual.

Officials at Lebanon R-3 recently agreed to allow masks in school, but they remain optional for staff and students.

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt has vowed to sue any school district that institutes a mask mandate, even if cases are spreading at high rate.

***Editors note: This story was edited to remove a statement that Lebanon R3 Schools is requiring masks….the masks are “optional” for staff and students in the district, not required.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Students in the Lake Area haven’t been told if they’ll be wearing masks again or not, but in the Southern Part of the Ozarks that decision has already been made.

Springfield’s largest school district will be requiring students and staff to start the new school year wearing masks.

Districts in St. Louis County and all Illinois schools are also being ordered to follow suit.

One elementary school administrator tells CBS News, it’s the right choice in his opinion “I don’t want a 10 year old getting sick. I don’t want an outbreak.”

Kansas City reinstated a mandate for the entire city requiring masks be worn in all indoor spaces where 6ft cannot be maintained.

Two days after it went into effect, the state’s attorney general sued the city and mayor Lucas, in part claiming he didn’t have the power to make this decision.

Officials say the state is responding to the latest surge by deploying ambulances statewide, and they’ll transport infected patients to other regions if nearby hospitals are too full to admit them.

The White House is announcing they plan to deploy several COVID 19 “Surge Response Teams” across the country, including in Missouri.

Missouri requested the aid last Thursday, shortly after the President announced he was creating the teams to help stop the spread of the new Delta Variant.

The CDC recently reported that the highest number of Delta variants had been detected in southwest Missouri, accounting for nearly two-thirds of all Delta variants in the state.

One of the places recently deemed the biggest hotspots in the nation was Laclede County.

Vaccinations are not moving as fast as Governor Mike Parson had hoped for, with only 44.6% of residents receiving at least one shot.

In over 60 counties in the Show Me State, less than 30% have received their first shot.

Employees, providers and volunteers at St. Mary’s Hospital in Jeff City have until the end of September to take a COVID shot.

SSM Health says in a release 240-thousand of its employees have taken a COVID shot since December.

But the company also says employees can request an exemption for either medical or religious reasons.

SSM also has a urgent care facility located here in Lake Ozark.

***Additional Info:

ST. LOUIS, MO (June 28, 2021) – As the new, highly contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus spurs another wave of infections throughout the U.S., SSM Health is again urging all eligible individuals to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as quickly as possible.

Despite broad availability of life-saving vaccines, new COVID-19 infections are rising due to the circulating Delta variant coupled with a low vaccination rate. In addition, the annual cold and influenza season is quickly approaching which may lead to a rapid rise in respiratory viral infections.

“These vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective at providing long-lasting immunity to COVID-19,” said Dr. Todd Shuman, MD, SSM Health Chief Medical Officer. “However, we haven’t yet reached a level of vaccination that provides herd immunity, which is why we’re continuing to see dangerous surges in many communities.”

Just seven months ago, SSM Health administered its first COVID-19 vaccine. Since then, the health system has vaccinated close to 240,000 employees and community members. SSM Health will now require all its nearly 40,000 employees, providers and volunteers to be fully vaccinated by the end of September – ahead of the cold/influenza season.

“As health care providers, we’ve seen the devastating impact of this disease first-hand,” said Dr. Shuman. “The fight against COVID-19 is not yet over. We must continue to be vigilant in doing everything we can to protect our team members, patients and communities.”

In announcing the move, SSM Health joins numerous health systems across the country in making the vaccine mandatory.

SSM Health team members can request an exemption for medical or religious reasons, which is consistent with the health ministry’s practice for other required vaccines.

To schedule a vaccine, please visit our site.

###

About SSM Health

SSM Health is a Catholic, not-for-profit health system serving the comprehensive health needs of communities across the Midwest through a robust and fully integrated health care delivery system. The organization’s nearly 40,000 employees and 11,000 providers are committed to providing exceptional health care services and revealing God’s healing presence to everyone they serve.

With care delivery sites in Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma and Wisconsin, SSM Health includes 23 hospitals, more than 290 physician offices and other outpatient and virtual care services, 10 post-acute facilities, comprehensive home care and hospice services, a pharmacy benefit company, a health insurance company and an accountable care organization. It is one of the largest employers in every community it serves. For more information, visit ssmhealth.com or find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Health officials are sounding the alarm for those who haven’t been vaccinated, as a new variant starts to spread nationwide, all while states continue to open up from COVID 19 restrictions.

The Delta Variant is nearly doubling every two weeks, and it tends to look like it might even be more serious in making people ill.

The Biden administration pushes to get 70% of Americans vaccinated with at least one dose by Independence Day.

At least 20 states are now banning so called vaccine passports, documents, which they say would have encouraged people to get a shot.

Delta, first found in India, is now responsible for almost 10% of new COVID cases here in the us.

Moderna says the Biden administration agreed to buy 200 million additional doses of its vaccine and that shots could be used as boosters or for children under 12, if the FDA gives emergency use authorization.

The C-D-C will be holding an emergency meeting next week to discuss rare cases of heart inflammation, among young people who have taken the Pfizer and Moderna COVID vaccines.

The CDC has identified at least 226 cases of myocarditis and pericarditis among people under 30, mostly males after the second shot.

“It’s occurring at a rate among vaccinated people that’s a bit higher, than the expected rate in the general population” says doctor William Schaffner, infectious diseases professor at Vanderbilt University school of medicine.

He says the cases are mild and with treatment people are recovering “on the other side, you have COVID itself. That virus can do the same thing, at much higher rates…and that persists longer.”

He says the vaccines are still worth a shot.

The news comes nearly a month after the Johnson and Johnson vaccine was halted, after showing issues with blood clotting among women.

Hy-Vee is stepping up to encourage more residents to get their vaccinations for COVID 19.

In a release, the company says they will be giving customer’s a $10 gift card for those who get vaccinated at one of their vaccine clinics.

Those who qualify must be fully vaccinated between June 1^st and November 11^th 2021, and you’ll only get the card after your second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.

Those vaccines are available for individuals 12 years or older and residents can walk-in or call ahead for an appointment.

COVID-19 protocols are changing at State Fair Community College.

Starting June 1^st, masks will no longer be required for students and employees, although there could be some exceptions.

The college also says its COVID-19 dashboard on its website has been discontinued.

By August 1^st, State Fair Community College plans to have classrooms back to pre-pandemic layouts and benches and other campus seating will be back.

Teachers and students will be encouraged to stay home if they feel sick.

Eligible mothers and other parents will now see an increase in the monthly Cash Value Benefit under the Women, Infant and Children Program.

WIC benefits will increase to $35 dollars per month for those who are eligible after the U.S.D.A was given the authority to put the increase in effect by the American Rescue Plan.

The normal cash value benefit for fruits and vegetables in Missouri is around $11 dollars per month.

The increase will be in effect from June through September.

Other people caring for young children may also be eligible for the WIC Program, like fathers and grandparents.

For more you can log onto the Miller County Health Center website.

Fewer than half of all Missourians have taken one of the three vaccination formulas available in the state and the U-S.

Governor Mike Parson says around one-third of Missouri’s population has taken the COVID-19 shot.

The numbers show a greater percentage of people 65 and older are getting the shots, with around 60-percent having taken a full dose and 72-percent having taken at least one dose of the Pfizer or Moderna shots.

This week the FDA and the CDC announced a pause on the Johnson and Johnson  vaccination after six reported cases of blood clots in people who had taken the single-dose shot.

***Press Release***

Missouri Reaches Milestone: One in Three Missourians Have Initiated Vaccination 

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – Today, Missouri’s COVID-19 vaccine dashboard reports that one-third of all Missourians have now received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“One-third of all Missourians have now received at least one dose of the vaccine, proving that we continue to make great progress in administering vaccines to residents across the state,” Governor Parson said. “This milestone is great news for the people of Missouri, and we will continue working hard to keep this momentum. The vaccine is safe and effective, and we encourage all eligible Missourians who have not yet received it to consider getting vaccinated.”

In total, nearly 2.1 million Missourians have initiated vaccination and almost 1.4 million Missourians have been fully vaccinated. Missouri’s dashboard shows that 33.3 percent of all Missourians have initiated vaccination, and data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that nearly 42 percent of Missouri’s 18 and older population has received at least one dose.

Of Missouri’s 65 and older population – some of the most vulnerable Missourians – nearly 60 percent have been fully vaccinated and 72 percent have received at least one dose.

“We cannot thank our vaccinators enough for their efforts over these last several months, and we appreciate the millions of Missourians who are stepping up to protect themselves and others,” Governor Parson said. “Getting vaccinated is how we end this pandemic and move forward from this crisis.”

Missourians are encouraged to visit MOStopsCOVID.com for facts about the vaccine and to register for an appointment using the state’s Vaccine Navigator. Missourians can also call the to state’s COVID-19 hotline at 877-435-8411 for more information and assistance.

Photo by Paola Chaaya on Unsplash

A new CDC Study is showing that the percentage of adults with symptoms of anxiety and/or depression are growing in Missouri and Nationwide, but many aren’t getting help.

“It is very hard to find a new job, to perhaps meet a new romantic partner, to connect with friends and really launch into life, when you feel like you’re doing it alone” says Psychologist Ndiya Nkongho.

She tells KRMS News many of those suffering are young adults age 18 to 29, as well as those with less than a high school education “it’s going to take some young adults some time, to really re-calibrate and figure out what the path forward here…is going to look like for them.”

Nkongho says many young people actually feel as if where they are today, is worse off than where they were two years ago.

***Additional Info***

Symptoms of Anxiety or Depressive Disorder and Use of Mental Health Care Among Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, August 2020–February 2021

Lake Area Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer is introducing legislation to help increase access to health care for rural communities.

The bill would help rural health clinics by correcting reimbursement rates, reducing the cost of care and improving access to medical services.

It would also allow for Rural health centers that are in “mid-build” or “in process” as of March 30^th to be able to apply for grandfathering of their reimbursement rates..

***Press Release***

Luetkemeyer Introduces Bill to Increase Access to Rural Health Care

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) introduced legislation to increase access to health care for rural and underserved communities by correcting reimbursement rates for Rural Health Clinics (RHCs).

“Rural Health Clinics play a vital role in providing quality, accessible healthcare in rural communities across America. Missouri is actually home to the highest number of rural health clinics in the country, 26 of which are in the Third District. This bill will ensure clinics here in Missouri and nationwide are able to operate and serve as many communities as possible. As our country continues to recover from the pandemic, it is more important than ever that health care services are available to everyone who needs them, regardless of zip code.”

Background:

Congressman Luetkemeyer’s legislation will reduce the cost of care and improve access to medical services for rural Americans by allowing Rural Health Centers (RHCs) owned by small hospitals, and Critical Access Hospitals that are “mid-build” or “in process” as of March 30, 2021, to be able to apply for grandfathering of their reimbursement rates through a rate setting year following their opening. This legislation will correct a drafting error in the CARES Act that set payment rates for provider based RHCs opened in 2020 lower than Congress intended. Several associations have voiced support for the Congressman’s bill.

The Missouri Rural Health Association says:

“Congressman Luetkemeyer’s bill makes an important and necessary change, allowing rural hospitals that were already in the process of establishing provider-based RHCs to complete their planning and conversions. Missouri’s rural health infrastructure depends on these clinics to provide quality healthcare to our rural constituents and we are grateful for the Congressman’s efforts on this matter.”

The Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins says:

“Ever since my great aunt and uncle founded the rural hospital we still use in Appleton City, our family has known firsthand how important rural healthcare is. It is already extremely difficult for rural providers to stay in business serving our communities. We cannot allow senseless bureaucratic rules to make it any harder on them. We applaud Congressman Luetkemeyer for recognizing a problem caused by the CARES Act and working quickly to fix it. His legislation will ensure that our rural healthcare centers are paid fairly for the critical services they provide, helping them stay strong and continue serving rural communities. I look forward to working with Congressman Luetkemeyer to stop this unfair treatment of rural healthcare providers.”

The Missouri Hospital Association says:

“The Missouri Hospital Association appreciates Congressman Luetkemeyer’s leadership in sponsoring this legislation. It will help small rural hospitals avoid being penalized by changing the federal rules in the middle of a clinic development project.”

A Missouri House committee is considering a bill that would relax immunization requirements for students in school.

Lake Area Republican Representative Suzie Pollock of Lebanon is sponsoring the bill that would require only public school students to have immunizations.

But some of those students would be allowed to go to public schools without a specific immunization if they can prove they’re already immune from a given disease.

Pollock says an estimated 500 people have submitted written testimony supporting the proposal.

A number of Missouri Leaders are reaching out to the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA in an effort to get additional COVID 19 Vaccines for rural communities.

In the letter, Senators Roy Blunt and Josh Hawley, along with Lake area Representatives Blaine Luetkemeyer and Vicky Hartzler say Missouri has already administered nearly half of the doses given to the state, but they’ve mainly been in major cities and that’s left small towns vulnerable.

They’re also asking for transportation and distribution assistance to be provided in the 2021 funding bill.

The previous COVID-19 emergency funding bill was signed into law in December, and it included $17 billion for FEMA to support vaccine distribution and administration.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, members of the Missouri congressional delegation, including U.S. Senators Roy Blunt and Josh Hawley, and U.S. Representatives Sam Graves, Vicky Hartzler, Billy Long, Blaine Luetkemeyer, Jason Smith, and Ann Wagner, sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency requesting additional COVID-19 vaccine distribution aid to reach underserved and rural communities.

“While Missouri has administered nearly half of the doses that have been distributed to the state – a statistic on par with the majority of other states – the logistical challenges of transporting and administering multiple doses of the COVID-19 vaccines to underserved parts of the state remains a challenge, as well as to other states within Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 7,” the members wrote. “As statewide leaders and public servants on the ground continue efforts to distribute vaccines, Missouri is in need of transportation and distribution assistance, and the supplemental funding provided to FEMA from Congress through the Fiscal Year 2021 funding bill should be used within the state and region for its intended purpose – to help get vaccines into the field.”

The latest round of COVID-19 emergency funding that was signed into law in December included $17 billion for FEMA to support state-led vaccine distribution and administration. A memorandum issued by the Biden administration on January 21 provides for a 100% federal cost share until September 30, 2021.

Current data shows encouraging signs on the COVID front in Missouri.

But Governor Mike Parson also says hospitalizations remain high in Missouri.

Parson says the Missouri National Guard will be assisting the Department of Health and Senior Services with vaccination efforts throughout the state.

Governor Parson Announces Mass Vaccination, Targeted Vaccination Sites Across the State 

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – Today during a briefing at the State Capitol, Governor Mike Parson announced that the Missouri National Guard will begin assisting the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and other state partners in establishing COVID-19 vaccination sites across the state.

A mass vaccination team will be assigned to each of Missouri’s nine Highway Patrol regions.

“The Missouri National Guard is once again answering the call to help Missourians in time of need,” said Governor Parson. “The purpose of these vaccination teams is to support our existing vaccinators and provide an additional vaccination source for eligible Missourians that may otherwise have a hard time receiving a vaccine.”

The Missouri National Guard is providing teams of Soldiers and Airmen to assist in establishing and staffing mass vaccination and targeted vaccination sites. The National Guard will also be deploying administrative teams to assist local agencies and other providers with data backlogs.

Missouri National Guard mass vaccination teams consist of 30 support personnel, who provide assistance in the form of traffic control, administrative support, and data input. Targeted vaccination teams consist of four-person teams with one vaccinator and three support staff to assist with administrative duties. Administrative support teams consist of three personnel to assist providers with paperwork and data backlogs due to vaccination entry requirements.

“We are proud to be a small part of the whole-of-government effort to provide the COVID-19 vaccine to our fellow Missourians,” said Maj. Gen. Levon Cumpton, Missouri National Guard Adjutant General. “This effort is truly a team effort, led by DHSS and consisting of multiple physicians, hospitals, pharmacies, clinics, local governments and others.”

A mass vaccination site is scheduled to begin this week in the Southeastern region, and other sites will be operational in the remaining eight Highway Patrol regions by the end of January. These sites have the capability to provide up to 2,500 doses per day, per team. More details concerning dates and locations will be released once finalized.

Targeted vaccination sites provide vaccines to populations outside the reach of mass vaccination sites, as designated by DHSS. Target vaccination teams will work with clergies and community leaders in the Kansas City and St. Louis regions to vaccinate vulnerable populations. Teams staffing these sites have the capability to provide up to 160 doses per day, per team.

Vaccine supply remains extremely limited. Current demand for the vaccine far outweighs the current supply that the state is allotted by the federal government. These mass vaccination and target vaccination sites will ensure that vaccines are being administered as efficiently as possible and that every Missourian will have the opportunity to eventually receive a vaccine regardless of where they live.

Missourians are encouraged to visit MoStopsCOVID.com to see the latest vaccine updates, find out when they are eligible for the vaccine, and locate available vaccinators in their area.

More than 250 Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations will be offering COVID 19 rapid antibody tests starting Monday.

Officials say patients can expect to receive same-day results, possibly as fast as 15-minutes.

The tests are available for everyone and will cost $25.

Patients must register ahead of time on the Hy-Vee website.

At this time the Osage Beach Location is not offering the test, but Columbia and Springfield locations are.

Supplies of the COVID-19 vaccine are about to go up in Lake of the Ozarks.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson is announcing Phase 1B –Tier 1 of the vaccination plan, which will open up the vaccine to law enforcement, firefighters and other public health professionals.

Tier-2 of Phase 1B goes into effect Monday, which prioritizes people 65 and older and others with health issues that place them at greater risk.

You can learn more about the latest on the COVID-19 online at http://MOStopsCovid.com.

Governor Parson Announces Activation of First Tier of Phase 1B of Missouri’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – Today, Governor Mike Parson announced the activation of Phase 1B – Tier 1 of Missouri’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan.

Federal partners have informed the state that they plan to significantly increase vaccine supply next week and that individuals 65 and older and those with comorbidities should be prioritized. This news allows the state to begin the process of activating Phase 1B tiers.

“Beginning the activation of Phase 1B is all about saving lives and protecting those most vulnerable to exposure and illness from this virus,” Governor Parson said. “We are looking forward to increased vaccine supply in the coming weeks as supply is the leading factor that dictates our movement through our plan. The more supply we receive, the quicker we can reach our goal of making vaccines available to every Missourians who wants one.”

The activation of Phase 1B – Tier 1 reflects the guidance the state has received from federal partners as well as information gathered from stakeholders across the state. Phase 1B – Tier 1 is activated today, and Phase 1B – Tier 2 will be activated on Monday, January 18.

Tier 1 of Phase 1B focuses on protecting those who keep Missourians safe, including law enforcement, fire service, and public health professionals, among others.

Tier 2 of Phase 1B focuses on protecting those who are at increased risk for severe illness, including individuals aged 65 and older and any adult with cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD, or intellectual and/or developmental disabilities such as Down Syndrome, heart conditions, a weakened immune system due to organ transplant, severe obesity, pregnancy, sickle cell disease, or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

“We recognize and appreciate that there are a variety of individuals on the frontlines who have a greater risk of exposure each day they go to work,” Governor Parson said. “We are grateful for the tireless and selfless efforts of our health care providers and first responders who risk their own safety to protect the health and well-being of Missourians.”

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) Director Dr. Randall Williams issued a statewide health order today regarding the vaccination of individuals in Phase 1A, Phase 1B – Tier 1, and Phase 1B – Tier 2. The order outlines who can be vaccinated as part of the state’s determined phases and applies to those administering the federally-funded COVID-19 vaccines. To view the order, please see attachment.

Although initial tiers within Phase 1B are being activated today and Monday, there are currently not enough vaccines for everyone included in these groups. As additional supplies arrive, this activation will allow for the greatest vaccine coverage where it is most needed. It will also allow vaccinators and organizations to continue planning effectively for future tiers and phases.

Individuals in Phase 1A and Phase 1B – Tier 1 should work through their employer and/or association to access the vaccine. Individuals in Phase 1B – Tier 2 should contact their local pharmacy or health care provider or visit MOStopsCovid.com to learn when vaccines may be available and how to receive them. 

A list of vaccinators and regional vaccine implementation teams will be made available at www.MOstopsCovid.com on January 15. DHSS encourages employers and associations representing individuals in activated phases to use the list to connect with a vaccinator or regional vaccine implementation team in their area and make a plan for vaccinating their teams.

“We know one of the most common questions among Missourians right now is when it will be their turn to be vaccinated, and we are greatly encouraged by the interest in the vaccines from the public,” Dr. Williams. “Each day, our team is monitoring the amount of vaccine available and making sure it is distributed so that people can receive the vaccine as quickly as possible. We are so thankful to our hundreds of clinical partners throughout the state who are making that happen.”

Based on reporting from providers, at least 27 percent of Phase 1A has received the first dose of the vaccine. This includes residents and staff of long-term care facilities and health care workers, including dentists, EMS, school nurses, and those working in hospital or clinic settings, among others. These individuals will continue to be vaccinated.

Missourians began receiving first doses of COVID-19 vaccines last month. More than 160,000 individuals have received an initial dose, and more than 22,000 have now been fully vaccinated with the 2-dose series. Vaccine supply continues to be the rate-limiting factor for vaccine administration throughout the state. State vaccine allocations are determined by Operation Warp Speed.

Additional details on phases and tiers beyond Phase 1B – Tier 2 can be found at www.MOStopsCovid.com. Public announcements will be made as later phases in the state’s vaccination plan are activated.

A white sheet summarizing Phase 1B Tiers is attached. More information regarding COVID-19 vaccines and Missouri’s vaccination plan can be found at www.MOstopsCovid.com.