Positive COVID-19 cases have increased by triple digits in the last two weeks.

According to the Lafayette County Health Department, there have been a confirmed total of 4,188 COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic – as compared to 4,042 cases on December 20.  There are currently 29 active cases, with 28 persons hospitalized. The county’s positivity rate is 27.08 percent, per the CDC COVID Data Tracker.

Health department officials say four additional COVID-19 related deaths have been reported, bring the county’s total to 82 since the beginning of the pandemic.

Since its last weekly report on December 20, Lexington has had the highest numbers of reported cases at 37, followed by Odessa with 35. Higginsville comes in third with 25 cases. Bates City, Concordia and Wellington reported 10 cases each. Rural Oak Grove reported four cases. Corder, Mayview and Waverly reported 3 cases each, while Napoleon had 1 case.

These numbers do not include positive rapid antigen results, as they are not considered diagnostic by the CDC.

The Lafayette County Health Department reminds residents that beginning Monday, January 3, COVID-19 vaccines will be offered by appointment only on Mondays and Wednesdays. If you would like to schedule an appointment, call (660)259-4371.