New Variants of COVID-19 Arrive in U.S.
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When it comes to COVID-19, there are almost too many dots to connect. To name a few, it is estimated that new variants of the coronavirus disease could kill 90,000 more Americans in the next month, as forecasted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – potentially requiring double masking or upgraded masks; a more coherent vaccine distribution plan rollout by President Joe Biden’s administration to get more shots in arms across the U.S.; and help from the Missouri National Guard to offset dismal vaccine rates in the state, just to name a few.
WHAT WE KNOW
- B.1.1.7 was identified in the United Kingdom (UK) in fall of 2020 and detected in the US at the end of December 2020
- B.1.351 was detected in South Africa in early October 2020 and in the US at the end of January 2021 - this variant shares some mutations with B.1.1.7 but emerged independently.
- P.1 was identified in travelers from Brazil tested at an airport in Japan and first detected in the US in early January 2021 - this variant's mutations may affect its ability to be recognized by antibodies
WHAT WE DON'T KNOW
We will need more research on:
- How widely these new variants have spread
- How the disease caused by these new variants differs from the disease caused by other variants that are currently circulating
- How these variants may affect existing therapies, vaccines, and tests
WHAT THIS MEANS
Public health officials want to understand whether the variants:
- Spread more easily
- Cause milder or more severe disease in people
- Are detected by currently available viral tests
- Respond to medicines currently being used to treat people for COVID-19
- Change the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines
The CDC suggests wearing masks with two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric, completely covering nose and mouth, and fitting snugly against the sides of the face without gaps. Avoiding crowds, people outside of the bubble, social distancing at least six feet away, and good hand hygiene continue to be strongly encouraged.
The UK variant has recently been detected in both Kansas and Missouri. Click the button below to learn more about the variants and Missouri's efforts to ramp up vaccinations.
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First Case of COVID-19 UK Variant in Missouri
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The first case of the UK variant of COVID-19, named B.1.1.7, has been detected in Marion County, Missouri.
“We are working closely with the local public health agency to ensure appropriate measures are being taken regarding contact tracing and isolation and quarantine protocols,” said Dr. Randall Williams, director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
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BY THE NUMBERS:
Missouri's COVID-19 Vaccinations
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546,484 people have received at least one dose -
8.9% of the population
169,554 people have received a second dose -
2.8% of the population
See more data:
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Visit the Vaccine Navigator to register and begin the vaccination process. For questions about the Navigator, call the COVID-19 hotline at 877.435.8411.
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ACA Health Insurance Marketplace Reopens Feb. 15, 2021 - May 15, 2021
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for qualified individuals and families in response to the pandemic.
Beginning February 15, 2021 and through May 15, 2021, these Marketplaces will operationalize functionality to make this SEP available to all Marketplace-eligible consumers who are submitting a new application or updating an existing application.
For more information, contact HCC at 660.259.2440.
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5 Key Reminders During Heart Health Month
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This February, the CDC is promoting heart health by reminding Americans to consider these five lesser-known facts about high blood pressure.
High blood pressure…
- may be linked to dementia
- is not limited solely to older adults
- usually doesn’t have symptoms and is nicknamed “the silent killer”
- may be hiding in plain sight – about 1 in 3 people diagnosed are unaware and untreated
- causes unique health risks for women and African Americans
What you don't know could hurt you. According to the CDC, uncontrolled high blood pressure raises the risk for heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death in the United States.
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In Case You Missed It:
Shelly Harden Advocates for Heart Health Awareness Among Women
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Shelly Harden, Community Health Worker and Go Red ambassador for the American Heart Association of Kansas City, discusses the need to raise heart health awareness among women.
Listen to Harden share her personal experience with heart disease and advocate for others to take proactive measures:
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Customized Caregiver Training and Relief Program (CCTRP) Provides Support
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The Customized Caregiver Training & Relief Program (CCTRP) offers caregivers free care consultations, customized in-home care assessments and training, tools to reduce stress, improve communication, make home-safety improvements, and reimburses up to $700 for qualified respite-related expenses. CCTRP, provided through a grant from Missouri DHSS, incorporates two tracks: Caregiver Training Program and Caregiver Relief Program. Learn more about program benefits and help spread the word about these free services.
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2021 Is Your Year to Kick Butts!
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Rural Health Workforce Conference Tickets Available
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The Rural Health Workforce Conference (RHWC) will be held April 22 – April 24 and is offering virtual tickets for those interested in attending from home. Speakers at the RHWC will cover a variety of topics during breakout sessions including Recruitment and Retention, Community Engagement, Emerging Solutions, and Mental Health.
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