In recent weeks, neighboring counties in Southwest Missouri have experienced a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. The increase of COVID-19 cases continues to move toward northward.

According to a press release from Lafayette County Health Department, the Delta variant is the predominant cause of these cases.

Health officials say an advisory for Johnson, Lafayette, Pettis and Saline counties have been put in place. Advisories show cases and hospitalizations are increasing. The COVID-19 vaccination rate in the listed counties is below the state rate of 42.8 percent.

The DHSS has created hotspot advisories in partnership with the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Missouri Hospital Association for counties across the state to give insight to community leaders to help overcome vaccine hesitancy and encourage community members to get vaccinated.

COVID-19 vaccine is widely available and can be found by going to MOStopsCovid.com or VaccineFinder.org.