After climbing over 200 cases reported in the last week full of September, there has been a significant drop in new cases of COVID-19 for the last week.
In a release from yesterday, the Knox County Unified Command announced 164 new cases of Coronavirus Disease, and an additional death was reported.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, a total of 6,977 cases and 167 related deaths have been attributed to the virus.
COVID Vaccine clinics are planned for:
- Thursday, October 7, at the Unified Command Vaccine Center 8:30 am-10:30 am Moderna & Janssen (18 years of age and up)
- Tuesday, October 12, at the Unified Command Vaccine Center 1:30 pm-3:30 pm Pfizer & Janssen (12 years of age and up)
- Wednesday, October 13, at Carl Sandburg College Crist Center 11:30 am-1:30 pm Pfizer, Moderna & Janssen
The health department is administering third dose vaccines to those who self-attest to being immune-compromised and those on immunosuppressant therapy at all of the vaccine clinics and events.
Third dose vaccines must be given at least 28 days after the second dose.
Federal guidelines will be followed regarding the Pfizer Booster vaccine to qualified individuals at least six months after the primary vaccine series. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the booster for those that are 65 years of age or older and residents of a long-term care facility or people with underlying medical conditions between the ages of 50-64.
The CDC also recommends that people aged 18-49 with underlying medical conditions or people 18-64 who are at risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of their occupational setting may also be considered for the boosters.
People should talk to their healthcare provider about their medical conditions and whether getting a booster dose is appropriate for them.
Additionally, curbside COVID testing is available at the Knox County Health Department three days a week.
For next week, testing days will be:
- Tuesday, October 12, from 9:00 am-3:30 pm
- Wednesday, October 13, from 8:30 am-3:30 pm
- Friday, October 15, from 8:30 am-3:30 pm
Appointments can be made by calling the health department at 309-344-2225 after 7:15 am.
