COVID Update from Health Department

Members of the Effingham County Board Health Committee were updated Tuesday on the status of COVID-19 immunizations in the county.

Karen Feldkamp of the County Health Department said 14,656 shots have been given, and 5,698 people have been fully vaccinated. That's a little over 16% of county residents. Feldkamp said 50% of those over age 65 have been vaccinated.

There are two vaccine clinics scheduled this week. The Wednesday clinic is full, but there are still openings for the Thursday clinic. Find out more at www.effcohealth.org. 

Feldkamp said "it's a little disheartening", but health officials are starting to see an increase in COVID positive cases, and 160 people in the county are currently quarantined.

Health Department Administrator Jeff Workman said his biggest concern is the COVID variants, which Feldkamp said are "more contagious and easier to transmit". 

Feldkamp reminded that "we are not in the bridge phase, we are still in Phase 4. Now is not the time to stop wearing masks and stop socially distancing."

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In a related note, the Illinois Department of Public Health Tuesday reported a COVID-related death in Shelby County, that of a female in her 60s.