Several updates were given during the weekly meeting of the Pettis County COVID-19 Task Force on Monday, January 11.

According to unofficial minutes from the meeting, Pettis County Health Center officials reported that as of January 11, there were 4,473 positive cases of COVID-19 in the county since the beginning of the pandemic. That’s compared to 4,264 positive cases on January 4 and 4,077 cases on December 28, 2020. This is an increase of 209 cases in the past week and 396 cases in the past two weeks.

The positivity rate for the month of December was 21.67 percent. The positivity rate for the week of January 1-7 was 20.09 percent; and the rate was 441.67 per 100,000. January 4 was the date with 70 positive cases, which was the largest for the week.

Health Center officials say, “As our numbers are beginning to increase again, we ask that people monitor themselves; and if they become ill to seek medical care, particularly if they are having difficulty breathing, notice a dusky color around lips or nail beds or are experiencing dizziness. COVID disease can progress quickly, and waiting too long to seek care can have serious consequences. For those at high risk of serious illness, monoclonal antibody therapy is available through Bothwell Regional Health Center.”

You are urged to discuss your risk factors with your doctor to see if you are a candidate for this therapy. The therapy needs to be delivered before a person becomes seriously ill and should be considered as soon as possible after diagnosis.