Six more people have died from COVID-19 in Greene County.
That makes 10 COVID-19 deaths in Greene County in the first two days of October.
The Springfield-Greene County Health Department says the latest victims were in their 60s, 70s, and 90s.
Here’s more from the health department:
The Springfield-Greene County Health Department is saddened to announce the deaths of six Greene County residents from COVID-19.
Our community lost:
- A man in his 60s
- A woman in her 70s
- A man in his 70s
- A man in his 70s
- A man in his 70s
- A man in his 90s
The Health Department extends our condolences to everyone impacted by these losses.
The Health Department has now reported 10 deaths in the first two days of October. A total of 87 Greene County residents have died from the virus—54% of those deaths occurred in September. October already accounts for 11% of total community COVID-19 deaths.
“None of us are immune to COVID-19—we are all vulnerable to it, but we know some will suffer much more severe outcomes,” said Director of Health Clay Goddard. “We are all called to protect one another by facing the reality of this disease head-on. We share a collective responsibility that will require patience, diligence and sacrifice from all of us moving forward.”
The average age of those who have died from COVID-19 decreased in September, from 80.3 in the first half of the month (Sept. 1-16) to 77.7 in the last half (Sept. 17-30).
Oppositely, the average age of positive cases of COVID-19 increased in the same timeframe, from 34.8 from September 1 to 16 to 47.4 from September 17-30.
Who is at risk
Like so many of us, all six of these individuals had an underlying health condition that put them at increased risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19.
Having an underlying health condition should not be interpreted as an individual being sick, feeble or infirm.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified two groups at higher risk for severe health outcomes from COVID-19: older adults and people with underlying health conditions.
Underlying health conditions can impact anyone at any age and include common diagnoses that many Greene County residents live with. For instance:
- 16% of Greene County residents are 65 or older,
- 33% are considered obese and
- 11% have asthma
Other health conditions identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as include, but are not limited to:
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- Lung disease
- Obesity
- Serious heart conditions
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy
A full list of conditions can be viewed on the CDC’s website.
Long-term care in Greene County
Three of these individuals were associated with a long-term care facility.
Long-term care facilities are required to report a positive case among staff or residents to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services within 24 hours so guidance can be provided on comprehensive testing, isolation and quarantine instructions, personal protective equipment and staffing. Guidance for long-term care facilities can be found here.
