COVID-19 highlights for the week of 10/25/21:
What’s Happening?
- Case rates in the Metro have dipped to 280 – this is down from our all-time high of 1,227 in November 2020.
- Schools continue to face food supply chain challenges due to cancelled contracts as suppliers face COVID-induced transportation shortfalls. Food is available, with longer ship times and insufficient support to a variety of menus. Among those cancelling contracts is Kohl Wholesale. Among those keeping schools supplied: Opaa!, Sodexo, and Southwest Food Service.
- 968,337 (47%) Metro residents have not completed their COVID-19 vaccinations. Of those, 327,870 (16%) are children under the age of 12 who are not yet eligible to receive the vaccine.
- Hospitals continue to experience significant staff vacancies. Remaining staff are working well-beyond their normal hours and caring for more patients.
- Region A state-supported MAB sites (which have provided over 1,650 infusions to patients) closed on Saturday, October 23rd. There are still (local) locations providing MAB infusions.
- Communities within our region remain predominantly in high and substantial levels of transmission as defined by the CDC.
| Region | Low | Moderate | Substantial | High |
| Metro | 0 | 0 | 3 | 6 |
| N/S | 0 | 1 | 2 | 6 |
What Can I Expect?
- Temptation to let up on masking which, as our history with COVID has shown, could lead to increased transmission and perhaps another surge.
- Non-standard meals at K-12 schools.
What Can I Do?
- Now is the time to keep up the great work (masking, vaccinations, & boosters) as we protect ourselves and those around us from COVID-19 and influenza.
- Get your booster when eligible. See CDC for “Who is Eligible for a COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shot” dated October 22, 2021.
- See CDC’s “Safer Ways to Celebrate Holidays” on ways to mitigate risk and stay safe.
- Take action to stop the spread, especially among those who are not eligible to receive a vaccination.