A winter storm with heavy snowfall is expected to impact portions of northeast Kansas into northern Missouri on Monday. The highest snowfall totals will be north of a line from St Joseph to Kirksville, where snow totals in excess of 6 inches will be possible. South of that line, there will be a sharp cut off in snow totals as rain is primarily expected.

Bates County is expected to only receive copious amounts of rain, but freezing conditions can make travel hazardous, and travel north will be ill advised until snowplows have a chance to clear the roads.

Does Isolation & Quarantine have you confused?
What are the differences in isolation & quarantine and timeframes for both?
*Isolation is a 10-day period of staying away from other people for an individual that has tested positive for COVID-19.
*Quarantine is the 14-day period of time that an individual that has been exposed to someone that is positive for COVID-19 is kept away from others to prevent the disease from spreading should they come down with symptoms after their known exposure.
*Quarantine is 14 days from LAST exposure to the positive individual—household members of a positive COVID-19 individual may have up to 24 days of quarantine (the 10 days the positive individual is on isolation PLUS 14 days which start the LAST day they were in contact with the household member).
Once I have tested positive am I exempt for quarantine & other CDC recommendations?
*Yes & No—an individual that had a positive COVID-19 PCR test does not have to quarantine for 90 days from test date if they are identified as a close contact to a current positive COVID-19 individual within that 90 days. Even individuals that have already had the virus should continue to follow CDC recommendations including washing your hands frequently, wearing a mask & social distancing. Individuals don’t stop washing their hands for 90 days after a positive test so why stop wearing a mask or social distancing???

Our meeting yesterday found that Bates County is on a downward trend as far as COVID infections are concerned. Last week, we were up a bit, and trending much higher than the state average. This week our total testing hit 10,087, with 42 active and isolating, and 22 deaths overall. We’ve had 1195 positive cases in the last year, and are currently still ahead of statewide positivity (12.7%) rates at 25% locally. We will continue to hope for the reduction in infections, and we anticipate getting more vaccine in the near future. Thankfully there is a new vaccine on the horizon from Johnson & Johnson, a one dose wonder, that does not need -90 degrees F for storage. Distribution of this vaccine hasn’t started yet, so we will likely be getting our first doses from Phizer and Moderna.

The CDC reminds us that even if you have had COVID, you should continue to wear masks and social distance. And if even if you tested positive, or believe you had COVID, the CDC still recommends you get the vaccine to protect you against variant strains and reinfection, after a 90 day waiting period. Hopefully we are seeing the dim light at the end of the tunnel and our county, state and country can soon return to a semblance of normalcy.

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.